Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2010  with  funding  from 

Boston  Library  Consortium  IVIember  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/reportofrecordco12bost 


A    REPORT 


Record  Commissioners 


CITY    OF    BOSTON, 


CONTAINING     THE 


BOSTON  RECORDS  FROM   1729  TO   1742. 


BOSTON: 

ROCKWELL    AND    CHURCHILL,    CITY    PRINTERS, 

No.    39    ARCn    STREET. 

1885. 


f  ni"  \ 


V  >  \ '?- 


[Document  66  — 1885.] 


CITY  OF  iSSi  BOSTON. 


A   REPORT 


RECORD  COMMISSIONERS. 


This  volume,  being  the  Twelfth  Report  of  the  Record 
Commissioners,  is  the  fourth  volume  devoted  to  the  Records 
of  the  Town.  It  covers  the  period  from  the  Town  Meeting 
of  March  10,  1728-29,  through  the  last  meeting  in  1742. 

Between  pages  63  and  64  will  be  found  the  copy  of  a 
Plan  of  certain  Fortifications  projected  in  A.D.  1733,  as 
drawn  in  the  original  volume. 

Preparations  have  been  made  to  continue  the  publication 
of  these  Records,  and  the  public  interest  in  them  shows  no 
sign  of  abatement. 

The  Thirteenth  Report,  now  in  press,  contains  a  continua- 
tion of  the  Selectmen's  Records.  The  Tenth  Report  is  still 
uncompleted. 

William  H.  Whitmore, 
William  S.  Appleton, 

Record  Coiiimissioners. 

City  Hall,  Boston,  April,  1883. 


BOSTON   TOWN   EECORDS. 


Anna  Domini :  1 728  — 
At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  a 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  On  Monday 
the  Tenth  day  of  March  :  1728  : 

After  Prayer  By  the  Rev*^  M""  Sam"  Checkley,  Elisha  Cooke  Esq' 
is  Chosen  Moderator  for  This  Meeting. 

Sundry  Laws  Against  Imorallity  &c  Read. 
Sundry  Petitions  and  Motions  Read  —  Viz' 
About  Paving  in  Coiiion  Street 
About  Paving  in  Sudbury  Street 
About  A  Schoolmaster  at  Rumny  Marsh 
About  the  High  Way  in  Sumer  Street 
Co"  Thomas  Fitches  Present  of  Armes  to  the  town 
m""  Peter  Plins  Petition . 
About  Paving  in  Bennet  Street. 
About  Laying  out  A  High  way  in  the  Comon. 
The  Constables  Memorial. 
A  motion  About  the  Representatives, 
m"^  Nathan"  Willims  About  an  Usher 
Willians  &  Rowe,  Petition 
M'  Sam"  Waldos  Petition 

Sam"  Checkley  Esq'^  Chose  Town  Clerk  &  Sworn. 
Voted  to  Chuse  Assessors  distinct  from  Selectmen 
Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Selectmen, 
mess"  John  Baker 
J  on  a"  Waldo 
Timothy  Prout 

Oxenbride  Thatcher     )-   Chose  Selectmen 
David  Farnum 
John  Hunt 
Jona°  Williams 

Joseph  Wads  worth  Esq"' Chosen  Town  Treasu'' for  the  year  Ensuing 
Voted  to  Chuse  16  :  Constables 
Voted  to  Chuse  :  7  :  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
Daniel  Oliver 
Timothy  Clark      }-  Esq' 


John  Ruck 
mess""  James  Gouch  )•  Chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

Sam"  Greenwood 
Jeflry  Bedgood 
Jona"  Jackson 


City  Docitment  No.  QQ. 


Votes  for  a  Couuty  Treasurer,  were  147  Votes  were  Sealed  up  by 
Constable  Salte""  and  Ordered  Him  to  Deliver  to  the  Clerk  of  the 
Peace  of  the  County 

Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  adjorned  untill  three  of  the  Clock. 


[3.] 


John  Greenlief 

Sworn" 

Robert  Watts  -         -r 

Sworn 

Edward  Tothill 

Pay'd 

Robert  Harris 

Paid 

George  Hannahs 

Paid 

Thomas  Gording     - 

Paid 

Isaac  "White    - 

Paid 

Joseph  Leasonby    - 
Nathan"  Emms 

Sworn 
Paid 

-  Chosen  Constables 

John  Lee 

Sworn 

John  Merrett  - 

Pay'd 

Zecha''  Hubbard 

Paid 

Moses  Greenlief     - 

Paid 

Mathew  Adams 

Paid 

Nicholas  Belknap  - 

Excused 

Joseph  Dodge 

Excused 

Upon  The  Petition  of  Rumny  Marsh  for  Alowanee  for  A  School- 
master there  — 

Voted  to  ad  Twenty  Pounds  to  what  they  formerly  A  lowed  to 
m''  Thomas  Chever  for  the  year  Ensuing  Provided  that  the  inhab- 
itants there  procure  A  sutable  Person  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the 
Selectmen 

Officers  Chosen  for  Rumny  Marsh  Viz' 
John  Laith  for  Constable  &  Sworn 
Jacob  Chamberlin  a  Sealer  of  Leath"" 

Isaac  Lewis     -         -  &  Thomas  Pratt  Ju'^  Fence  Viewers. 
Daniel  Wats    -         -  Sworn 


Sam*^  Pratt :  Sworn 


Hoggreves 


The  Selectmen  having  ConTunicated  to  the  Town  A  Letter  from 
the  Hon*"'^  Thomas  Fitch  P^sq''  Dated  the  first  Instant  Signifying, 
That  He  did  Present  to  the  Town  Two  Hundred  and  fifteen  Fire- 
locks with  Bayonets  fitted  to  them,  to  be  for  the  use  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  forever 

The  Town  with  great  unanimity  proceed  to  vote  their  Thanks 
for  So  Valuable  and  Generous  A  Present  And  agreeable  to  the 
Desire  of  the  Doner  likewise  Voted  That  they  will  keep  the  Same  or 
the  like  Number  of  Good  Fire  Locks  with  Bayonets  Fitted  to  them 
from  time  to  time  in  Good  Order  and  Fitt  for  Service  for  the  Nec- 
essary Defence  of  this  Town.  And  Voted  That  the  Hon'^'*'  Elisha 
Cook  Adam  WinthrO'P  Esq'"'  and  m*"  John  Baker,  be  A  Comittee 
in  behalf  of  the  Town  To  Waite  upon  the  Honourable  Co" 
Thomas  Fitch,  with  their  Thanks  and  a  Coppy  of  the  Votes  Afore 
Said  — 

Then  the  Meeting  Adjorned  untill  tomorrow-Morning  at  Eight 
of  the  Clock  — 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1728. 


The  Town  Mett  According  to  their  Adjornment  — 


[3.]     mess"  Jona"  Loring 
Samuel  White 
Joshua  Chever 
Caleb  Lyman 
Samuel  Adams 
Jonas  Clark 
Daniel  Loring 
Jacob  Royall 


Excused  "1 

Sworn 
Excused 

-rr '         1  i^  Chosen  Assessors. 
Jixcused  ' 

Sworn 


Joseph  Russell 
Nathan'^  Barber 
John  Callender 
John  Gouch 
John  Knight 
W"  Price :  a  Trooper ; 
John  Marshall  Ditto 
Mark  Day 

Francis  Wardell 
Joseph  Rix 
William  Eustis 
Icabod  Rogers 
Thomas  Foster 
Earth"  Sutten 
James  Barnet 

William  Jepson 
Thomas  Townsend 
Robert  Williams : 
James  Dawson  — 
James  Penimaii 


Sworn 
Paid 


Sworn  ^ 
Sworn  ! 
Excusd 

p  -^  VI  ^  Chose  Constables. 

;  Exxcud 

Excusd 

Excused  ^ 

Sworn  1 
Sworn 

Sworn  j' Fence  Viewers. 


Sworn  J 

Sworn  ""j 

Sworn  j 

Sworn  j- Sealers  of  Leather. 

Sworn 

Sworn 


William  Lee 
William  Young 
Sam"  Warden 
P^dward  Moberly 
Joshua  Thornton  Sworn 
John  Adams 
Edward  Richards 


1 


o  [Viewers  of   Shingles    Measurs 

•      of  Board  &  Timber  &c 


Edward  Emerson 
Sam"  Baylie  Jun. 
Thomas  Sirapkins 
David  Mason 
Joseph  Poumery  : 
Andrew  Eliot 
Sam"  Gardner 
Wiir  Torry 


Sworn ' 

Sworn 

Sworn 

paid 
Sworn 

paid 

Refused 

Sworn 


y  Clerks  of  Market. 


W™  Greenlief  Sworn"] 

Benja,  Demmon        Sworn  {  „ 
Samuel  Torry  Jua"-  Sworn  f  ^logreves. 
Bridges  Read  Sworn  J 


City  Document  No.  Q6. 


[4:.] 


Waltei'  Goodridge 
John  Wolland 
Jeram*  Beknap 
Nathan"  Gooding 
Edward  Dnrant 
Sam"  Rand 
Thomas  Moffatt 
Joseph  Turell 
Joseph  Hasley 
David  Melvell 
Mathew  Adams 
William  Salter 
Benja"  Emmans 
Andrew  Tyler 
Benja"  Pollard 
W"  Cunningham 

Thomas  Mitchel 
Ralph  Smith 
Joseph  Williams 
Joseph  Rix 
Jona°  Getchell    - 
Knight  Leveret  - 
William  Warner 
Ebenezer  Hough 
John  Winslow 


Chosen  Scavengers. 


J 

Sworn ' 

Sworn 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 

Pay'd 

Pay'd 

Sworn 

Pay'd 

Sworn 


Constables 


Voted  That  the  Selectmen  and  Such  as  they  Shall  desire  to  Ac 
company  them  be  the  Inspectors  of  the  Schools  for  the  year 
Ensueing  — 

Voted  That  Co"  Thomas  Fitch,  Co"  Adam  Winthrop ;  Co" 
Edward  Hutchinson  Nathan"  Green  Esq"  &  m""  Jacob  Wendell  or 
any  three  of  them  be  A  Collittee  to  Auditt  the  Treasurers  Accounts 
for  the  year  Ensuing  — 

Voted  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'"  Town  Treasurer  be  Alowed 
&  Paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds 
for  His  Service  in  the  Said  Office  for  the  year  Last  past 

Post  Meridiem 

In  answar  to  the  Petition  for  Paving  in  Cotnon  Street  &c 

Voted  a  Grant  of  the  Petition,  Provided  the  Abutters  do  their 
part  as  usual. 

On  the  Motion  of  m''  Nathan"  Williams  for  Another  Usher  or 
Assistant  in  the  School  — 

Voted  That  there  be  Alowed  the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  for 
another  Usher  of  the  Said  School,  when  A  Sutable  Person  is  Pro- 
vided to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  as  usual  —  The  Money 
to  be  paid  as  usual  from  His  being  Intraduced  — 

In  Answer  To  the  Petition  of  m''  Peter  Blin  — 

Voted  that  there  be  an  Aditian  to  the  Sallary  of  m'  Peter  Blin 
for  the  year  Ensuing  The  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  — 

In  Answar  to  the  Petition  for  Laying  out  a  Highway  in  the 
Common  — 


Boston  Town  Ee cords,  1728.  5 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  View  the  Place  and  Repor  to  the  Next 

Meeting  what  they  think  is  best  to  be  don  — 

In  Answar  to  A  Proposal  to  Consider  the  Marsh  in  the  Common 
Voted  that   the    Selectmen   be   desired  to  View  the  place  and 

Report  to  the  Next  Meeting  what  they  think  advisable  therein 
Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Surveyers  of  the  Highways  for  the 

year  Ensuing  — 

[5.]     On  the  Petition  about  the  Way  in  Summer  Sti'eet 
Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  View  the  Said  Street 

and  the  Circomstances  of  it  and  make  Report  to  the  next  meeting 

what  may  be  best  to  be  don  thereon 

On  the  Petition  for  Paving  in  Sudbury  Street  &  Cold  lane  — 
Voted  the  Petition  be  granted  on  Usual  Conditions  — 
John  Billings  paid^ 

Charles  Henly    Sworn  Lhose  Constables. 
Benja  Mason      Sworn  | 
Joseph  Scott  pay  J 

In  answar  to  The  Constables  Petition 

Voted  That  the  Assessors  be  Impowred  to  make  Reasonable 
Abatement  to  the  first  day  of  June  next  — 

On  the  Petition  about  Paving  in  Benuet  Street. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  View  the  Place  and  that  they  act 
therein  what  they  Judge  best : 

On  m""  Sam"  Waldos  Petition  about  Land  at  the  Dock 

Voted  That  that  be  left  with  the  Selectmen  to  Consider  it  & 
Report  to  the  next  Meeting  their  thoughts  thereon 

On  W""  Ilollowells  Petition  About  Milk  Street  Read  and  Dismist 

Then  the  Meeting  Adjornd  till  to  Morrow  Half  an  hour  after 

two  :  in  the  After  noon  — 

Benja  Neal      -     -     Sworn^ 

Sam"  Oakes     -     -     Sworn  \  ^^       ,  , , 
,,,,  M        .  o  >  Constables 

Ihomas  Armstrong   Sworn  f 

John  Holyoke  Excus'dJ 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  for  the  time  being  further  take  care 
for  the  Repairing  the  Mill  Biidge  according  to  the  Agreement  with 
the  Mill  Owners 

Voted  That  the  Several  Constables  for  the  year  Ensuing  be 
Alowed  the  Sum  of  three  pence  upon  the  Pounds  for  Collecting 
the  Rates,  They  paying  in  to  the  Several  Treasurers,  the  One  halfe 
of  the  Sums  Comitted  to  them  to  Collect  by  the  first  day  of  Feb- 
ruary Next,  and  Compleat  the  whole  by  the  first  day  of  June  next 
after. 

mess"  Sam"  Adams  &  ) 
Jona°  Loring  ] 

Chosen  Selectmen  in  the  Room  of 
m'  John  Baker  &  Jon"  Waldo  who  Refused 

m"'  Edward  Procter     Sworn  |  . 

m^  John  Tyler         Excus'd  j  ^^sessars  — 

Nathan"  Greenwood  :      rSworn  Constable 
m""  W"  Tyler  Chose  Assessar  &  Paid 


6  City  Docuivient  No.  6^. 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  pounds  out  of  the 
mone}^  to  be  Raised  be  Improved  for  Pavhig 

Voted  A  Grant  of  four  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  Pounds  To  be 
Raised  on  the  Inhabitants  and  Estates  within  this  Town,  for  Re- 
leif  of  the  Poor,  Defraying  the  Charges  of  the  watch,  Paving  & 
Other  Necessary  Charges  arising  within  and  for  the  Town  the 
Year  Ensuing 

Sundry  Proposals  Read  Viz' 

Whether  it  might  be  for  the  Towns  Intrest  to  make  a  well 
at  the  Town  Dock  —  Voted  the  Cosideration  to  the  Next  Meet- 
ing 

[6.]  What  may  be  don  about  Repairing  the  Wharf  near  the 
North  Battery  Improved  by  Sam"  Clark 

Voted  That  it  be  left  for  further  Consideratian  to  the  Next 
Meeting,  And  that  the  Selectmen  in  the  Mean  time  be  Desired  to 
Enquire  into  and  take  the  Proposals  of  any  that  Shall  Appear  & 
Offer  and  Report  the  Same  to  the  Town  : 

On  messu"^  Colmau  &  Williams  Petition  about  Paving  in  Cold 
Lane  — 

Voted  That  the  Petition  be  Granted  — 

Upon  a  Motion  made  That  the  Town  would  take  into  Considera- 
tion the  Extraordinary  Circumstances  of  their  present  Representa- 
tives :  After  mature  Deliberation  thereon 

For  asmuch  as  the  Last  Sessions  of  the  General  Court  was 
Continued  to  an  unusual  length  Viz'  from  the  24'^  of  July  last  to 
the  20""  of  Decem''  Following,  And  from  the  31""  of  Octo''Last  was 
held  at  Salem,  Which  Necessarily  Exposed  the  Said  Representa- 
tives to  unusual  Charge  as  well  as  great  Fatigue  and  Hardship : 
And  Whereas  the  Said  Members  have  Behaved  as  Very  Loyal 
Subjects  to  Our  most  Gratious  Sovarine  King  George  the  Second, 
And  Stedfastly  Adhered  to  the  Rights  and  Priviledges  of  the 
People  of  this  Province,  And  haue  bin  hitherto  Extraordinarily 
Prevented  any  Allowances 

Therfore  Voted  That  the  Town  Treasurer  Pay  to  Each  of  the 
Representatives  Their  Respective  allowances  as  Stated  by  Law 
And  the  Further  Sum  of  One  Hundred  &  Twenty  Pounds  to  be 
Equally  Divided  between  them  — 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  a 
Publick  Town  meeting  at  the  Town  House  Tuesday  May  the  6"" 
1729  — 

After  Prayer  by  the  Rev*  m'^  Thomas  Prince  Elisha  Cooke  Esq' 
Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

Sundr}'  Petitions  Read  Viz' 

About  a  place  for  the  Grainery 

About  m''  Peleg  Wiswalls  Sallary 

About  m""  Edward  Mills  Sallary 

m'"  Sam'^  Oakes  Petition 

m""  Jera  Condys  Petition 

The  Selectmens  Report  of  Sundry  things  left  to  them 

Voted  to  Chuse  4  Representatives 


Boston  Town  Records,  1728-29.  7 

The  Number  of  Voters  were  -     -     192 

votes. 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq"^  188  ^ 

m''  Thomas  Cushina:  -  190  !    r„         -r,  ^  j_. 

uf  Ezek'^  Lewis  -  190  \  ^^'^'^  Representatives 

m^  Sam'' Welles  -  184  J 

Anno  1729 

[7.]  Voted  To  Chnse  a  Coiiiittee  to  Prepare  Instructions  for 
the  Representatives  for  their  Acting  at  the  General  Court  at  their 
Approching  Session,  And  to  Laj'  them  befor  the  Meeting  in  the 
Afternoon  — 

Voted:  That  John  Alford  Esq'  mes'^  Henry  Bering  &  Nath" 
Cunuigham  be  the  Said  Committee  — 

On  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  about  the  Situatian  of 
the  Grain  ery 

Voted  That  m''  Moderator  &  the  Selectmen  be  Joyned  with  the 
the  Coinittee  appointed  for  Building  the  Grainery,  Be  desired  to 
View  the  Place,  And  make  Return  of  their  Opinion  thereof  to  the 
Meeting  after  Dinner  this  Day  — 

m''  John  Jeffers  Excus'd  )  rn.  a 

m--  Thomas  Moffat       Excus'd  |  ^^^'^^  Assessors. 

Edward  Maycomb  -  Sworn  ^ 

John  Spooner     -     -Sworn  V  Clerks  of  the  Market, 

Nathan"  Cobbit       -  Sworn  J 

Post  Meridiem. 
Voted  That  the  Grainery  be  Erected  and  Set  up  Rainging  with 
the  Line  of  the  Burying  place  on  the  Comon  fronting  Eastward, 
The  Said  Building  to  be  not  Less  then  forty  feet  distant  from  the 
Sout  Corner  of  the  Brick  wall  of  the  Burying  place  — 
m''  James   Pemberton  -  Pay  )   . 
m' James  Watson    -  Sworn  j  ^^^^^^°^'^- 

In  as  much  as  the  Gramer  School  at  the  North  End  of  the  Town 
of  which  m""  Peleg  Wiswall  is  the  Master  is  much  Increaced  in  the 
Number  of  the  Schollers,  and  that  no  Usher  is  alowed  to  assist  him 
in  his  School : 

Voted  That  there  be  an  Additian  of  Forty  Pounds  to  the  Said 
m"^  Wiswalls  Salary  — 

Sam"  Oakes  Petition  Read  &  Dismist  — 

In  Answar  to  m""  Edward  Mills  His  Petitian. 

Voted  That  there  be  an  Addition  of  Twenty  Pounds  to  the  Said 
m''  Edward  Mills  Sallary  — 

Upon  A  Motion  made  by  Elisha  Cook  Esq""  That  the  Dividing 
Line  Itetween  the  Towns  Land  in  the  Occupation  of  m''  Nathan'^ 
Williams  and  His  Land  on  the  East  Side  in  School  Street  is  for 
want  of  due  Care  become  Crucked,  intrenching  both  upon  the  One 
and  the  Others  Land,  That  therfore  they  would  Direct  and  Im- 
pwer  the  Selectmen  to  Rcctifie  that  line  as  to  them  Seems  Just 
and  Eqiiital)le —  And  Further  That  they  would  be  pleased  to  Ac- 
comodate him  with  about  two  feet  of  the  Front  of  his  Land  next 


8  City  Document  No.  66. 

m^  Williams  on  Such  Terms  as  the  Selectmen  Shall  Agree  for  with 
the  Said  m"^  Cooke  — 

Read  and  Voted  That  it  be  left  with  the  Selectmen  to  Act  therein 
as  they  Judge  Meet  — 

[8.]  On  the  Petition  of  m^  Jerain  Condy  for  Addition  to  his  Salary 

Voted  that  the  Consideration  of  Said  Petition  be  Referred  for 
further  Consideration  to  the  Next  Town  Meeting,  and  That  in  the 
mean  time  Nathan"  Green  John  Alford  PIsq"  &  m'  Thomas  Cushing 
Jun""  are  desired  to  Inspect  the  Several  Wrighting  Schools  within 
this  Town  at  Such  time  as  they  Shall  think  Advisable  for  the  year 
Currant,  And  that  they  do  in  an  Espesial  Maiier  Vizit  m""  Condys 
School  and  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  Meeting  the  Ability  and 
Industry  of  the  Said  m'  Condy  and  the  Proficiency  of  the  Schollers 
under  His  Tuition  — 

The  Comittee  this  day  chosen  &  Appointed  to  Prepare  Instruc- 
tions for  the  Representatives,  for  their  Acting  at  the  General 
Court  at  their  Approching  Session  And  to  Lay  before  the  Meeting 
in  the  afternoon  —  Return  as  Follows  :  Viz' 

To  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  Mess"  Thomas  Cushing,  Ezekiel  Lewis  & 
Samuel  Welles :  — 

Gentlemen  — 

Your  known  Loyalty  to  His  Present  Majesty  King  George,  and 
Sincear  Atachment  to  the  Successian  in  the  Illustrious  House  of 
Hannover,  Your  Hearty  Love  to  this  Your  native  Country,  Your 
Singuler  Value  for  the  Liberty  &  Propperty  of  this  People,  your 
Chearfull  and  Unamous  Concurrance  to  promote  our  Best  Intrist, 
And  your  Approved  Integrity  in  those  Publick  Stations  wherein 
you  haue  bin  Employed,  Haue  fixed  the  Eyes  of  this  Town  on  and 
Determined  their  Choice  of  you  as  Propper  Persons  to  Represent 
them  in  the  Next  General  Assembly  Wherin  they  Expect  That 
you  behaue  your  Selves  with  your  Wonted  Zeal  and  Courage  in 
Prossecuting  those  good  Designes  which  may  tend  to  the  Peace  & 
wellfair  of  these  His  Majestys  Good  Subjects,  and  Secure  those 
Rights  and  Priviledges  which  by  the  Royal  Charter  we  haue  a  Just 
claim  to,  and  as  Englishmen  do  of  Right  appertain  to  us,  And  agre- 
able  there  unto  we  Recomend  unto  you  in  an  Especial  Manner  — 

That  you  Endeavor  to  Maintain  all  our  Civil  Rights  &  Propertys 
against  any  Incrochments  upon  them 

That  you  Continue  to  Pay  a  due  Regard  to  His  Excellency  Our 
Governor,  and  that  you  Endeavor  that  He  may  have  an  Honoura- 
ble Support,  But  we  desire  at  the  Same  time  That  you  use  your 
utmost  Endeavor  That  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives 
may  not  be  by  any  means  Prevailed  upon  or  brought  uito  the  Fix- 
ing a  Certain  Sallary  for  any  Certain  time.  But  that  they  may 
Improve  their  usual  freedom  in  granting  their  INIoney  from  time  to 
time,  as  they  Shall  Judg  the  Province  to  be  able,  and  in  Such  a 
manner  as  they  Shall  think  most  for  the  Benefit  and  advantage 
therof,  And  if  your  Pay  Should  be  diverted  you  may  Depend  on 
all  the  Justice  Imaginable  from  this  Town  whom  you  Represent :  — 

John  Alford  ^ 

Henry  Dering  >  Coinittee 

Nath"  Cuningham    3 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1729.  9 

[9.]  The  Foregoing  Return  of  the  Comitte  was  Presended 
Read  Sundry  times  and 

Voted  Approved. 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  upon  Several  Votes  of  the  Town 
at  their  Meeting  the  10'^  of  March  1728  :  were  Read  &  Considred 
Viz' 

The  Selectmen  haue  Viewed  the  Marsh  at  the  Bottom  of  the 
Comon,  and  not  finding  any  Material  use  that  can  be  made  of  it  at 
the  present,  and  Consideiing  the  Present  Circomstances  of  the 
Town  Are  of  Opinion  it  is  best  to  ly  in  the  Condition  it  now  is. 

Read  and  the  Report  Accepted  — 

Also  Having  Viewed  Summer  Street,  We  find  it  in  a  very  bad 
Condition  Since  the  Stoping  of  the  Antient  Water  cource,  And  That 
there  is  no  way  to  help  it  but  by  Paving  — 

Upon  Condition  the  Abutters  on  Said  Street  as  has  bin  Accus- 
tomed —  It  will  be  Convenient  for  the  Town  to  Pane  the  Midle 
part.  And  do  as  much  as  can  be  conveniently  don  this  Sunier 

Read  and  Voted  Accordingly  — 

As  to  the  Proposals  About  Bennet  Street  —  It  is  thought  Con- 
venient to  be  Paved  if  the  Town  thinke  it  Convenient  to  Raise 
Money  for  the  Doing  it  at  this  Meeting. 

Read,  and  Refer'd  for  further  Consideration  to  the  Next  March 
Meeting 

On  the  Petition  of  m'"  Samuel  Waldo  — 

We  think  it  not  proper  for  the  Town  to  Dispose  of  Such  a  peace 
of  Land  under  their  present  Circomstances 

Read  and  the  Report  Accepted  — 

As  to  the  Repair  of  the  Wharf  at  the  North  Batter}'  — 

It  is  thought  Convenient  —  That  m"^  Sam^'  Clark  be  Ordered  to 
Clear  the  Wharf  And  that  the  Town  let  it  to  Some  Person  that 
may  Offer  to  Repair  it  And  keep  it  in  Repair  for  A  term  of  j-ears 
as  the  Selectmen  Shall  think  Advisable 

Read  and  Voted  to  be  left  with  the  Selectmen  — 

As  for  the  Petition  for  Laying  out  a  Highway  in  the  Common  — 

We  haue  Viewed  the  Place,  And  in  Favor  of  the  Petitioners  do 
think  it  Convenient  to  Measure  off  Thirty  foot  from  ra''  Colsons 
Corner  post,  towards  the  School  House  and  So  A  Straight  Line 
to  m""  Sheafs,  And  there  Sett  off  Thirty  foot,  for  Said  Way  of  the 
Towns  Land,  Provided  the  Petitioners  make  the  Way  Streight  on 
their  Side. 

Read  &  Voted  Rejected  — 

Voted  That  a  Survey'd  Plan  be  taken  by  Some  Skillfull  Sur- 
veyor or  Surveyrs  of  the  Lands  of  this  Town  belonging  to  the 
Town.  In  Order  for  the  Same  to  be  putt  upon  the  Towns  Records, 
to  Prevent  Incroachments  on  the  Towns  Intrest. 

The  Selectmen  to  take  Care  that  this  work  be  effected  — 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  Pounds  be  Raised  on  the 
Inhabitants  and  Estates  within  this  Town  for  Defraying  the  Towns 
Charge  and  more  Espetialy  Paving  — 

[10.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled 


10  City  Document  No.  OG. 

iu  a  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Wednesday  —  June 
the  11th  1729  — 

m''  Jonathan  Waldo  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting  : 

m''  Jacob  Sheaf  was  Cbose  Assessor  for  the  year  Ensuing 

Whereas  m''  Thomas  Gushing,  Nathan"  Green  Esq'  and  m' 
Ezekiel  Lewis,  were  on  May  the  8th  1727  :  — 

Imponred  and  Directed  to  Prossecute  in  the  Law  all  Such  Per- 
sons as  Shall  be  found  Trespassers  upon  the  Towns  Land  Claimed 
by  the  Late  Eliak''  Hutchinson  Esq''  Deceaced. 

Voted  That  the  Said  m'^  Tliomas  Cushing,  Nathan"  Green  Esq'' 
and  m'' Ezek'^  Lewis,  Be  further  Desired  &  Imponred  —  to  Pros- 
secute the  Same  in  the  Law  to  Effect  — 

Voted  To  Reconsider,  The  Vote  of  the  Sixth  of  may  last  past 
about  placing  the  Grainery  — 

Voted  That  the  Grainery  be  placed,  According  to  the  First 
Projection  of  the  Committee  appointed  for  Building  the  Grainery 
where  the  foundation  is  already  Lay'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  Honse  in  Boston  on  Monday 
the  Second  Day  of  February  :  1729  — 

After  prayer  by  the  Rev :  m"  John  Webb : 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  was  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

The  Questian  was  Put 

Whether  it  be  in  the  Power  of  the  Town  by  Law  to  Raise  Money 
to  be  Transmitted  To  the  Agents  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
in  Great  Britain  as  Pointed  to  in  the  Warrant : 

Voted  in  the  Negatiue  : 

Voters  in  the  Negatiue    -         -         161 
Voters  in  the  Afermatiue         -  91 

The  Question  being  Put  whether  there  Should  be  any  further 
Votes  at  this  time  put  about  this  Matter  Voted  in  the  Afermatiue. 
Voters  for         -         -         164 
Voters  against  it       -         121 

The  Question  being  Put  whether  The  Town  will  by  A  Vote 
Recomend  a  Voluntary  Collection  or  Contrabution  of  Money  to  be 
Remitted  to  Francis  Wilks  &  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq"  to  Enable 
them  to  Appear  at  the  Court  of  Great  Britain  Agents  in  Behalf  of 
the  Honourable  the  House  of  Representatiue  of  this  Province  — 

Voted  in  the  Afermatiue,  And  that  the  Selectmen  or  Such  as 
they  Shall  appoint  be  Desired  &  Impowred  to  Transact  in  that 
Affair. 

[11.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  regulerly  Assembled 
in  A  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  on  Monday  March 
the  9*1^1 729  — 

After  Prayer  by  the  Rev*^  m""  Thomas  Foxcroft  — 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  is  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1729. 


11 


Sundiy  Laws  Against  Tmorality  &c  Kead 

Sundry  Petitions  and  Motions,  Read  Viz' 

About  Paving  in  Fisli  Street 

About  Paving  in  King  Street 

To  Constables  Petition 

m''  Jeremiah  Condys  Motion 

Sam^^  Clieckley  Esq"  Chose  Town  Clerk  &  Sworn 

Voted  to  Chuse  seven  Selectmen  distinct  from  Assessors. 


messurs :  Timothy  Prout 

Oxenbridge  Thatcher 
David  Farnum 
John  Hunt 
Jona°  Williams 
Jona"^  Loring  - 
Samuel  Adams 


Refused^ 

Refused  | 

Refused  j-  Chose  Selectmen 

Refused 


Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'^  Chose  Town  Treasurer  for  the  year 
Ensuing 


Daniel  Oliver,  Esq' 
Timothy  Clarke  Esq' 
.  mess'  Samuel  Greenwood 
Jeffery  Bedgood 
Jona''  Jackson 
Jacob  Wendall  Esq' 
Jona""  Waldo     -      Refused 


\-  Chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor 


Voted  that  the  Consideration  of  Inoculation  be  debated  in  the 
afternoon 

Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjorned  to  thi-ee  of  the  Clock  in  the 
afternoon  — 

Post  Meridiem. 
Voted  to  Chuse  but  eight  Constables  for  the  year  E^nsueing 
Voted   For   a   County  Treasurer   were    162  votes   which   were 
Sealed  up  by  Constable  Russell,  and  by  Him  were  Delivered  to  the 
Clerke  of  the  Peace  then  in  the  Meeting  — 

Voted  That  the  Several  Constables  to  be  Chosen  for  the  year 
Ensuing  Shall  be  Alowed  and  Paid  to  them  the  Sum  of  three 
pence  on  the  Pound  for  Collecting  the  Rates  or  Taxes  that  Shall 
be  Cornitted  to  them  to  Collect  They  paying  in  to  the  Several 
Treasurars  the  One  halfe  of  the  Sums  Comitted  to  them  by  the 
first  day  of  February  Next  and  Compleat  the  whole  by  the  first 
day  of  June  Next  Following 

Voted  That   the   Assessors  be  Impowred  to  make  Reasonable 
Abatement  untill  the  first  day  of  June  Next  Coming  — 
John  Frizel         .         .         _    payd " 
John  Barrel  Jun'        -       Excus'd 
Samuel  Miller    -         -        Excus'd 
Thomas  Simkins         -       Excus'd 
Joseph  Rix         .         _         .    Paid 
Jeremiah  Allin  -         -       Excus'd 
Benja  Thwing   -         -         -    Paid 
Sam'^  Kneeland  -         -       Excus'd 


>■  Chosen  Constables 


12 


City  Document  No.  66. 


[13.]     John  Ruck  Esq"^  Chose  overseer  of  the  Poore 
mess^'  Samuel  White  ") 

Joshua  Chever  !>  Chose  Selectmen 


Johu  Cohnan 
Andrew  Tyler 

John  Wendall 
Isaac  Dupee  - 
James  Bcighton 
Thomas  Hill  - 
John  Franklin 
Thomas  Ruck 
Benjam"  Swain 
George  Campbel 


Refused 


Payd^ 
Paid 

paid 
paid 
Sworn 
Paid 
Paid 
paid^ 


>  Chose  Constables 


Voted  That  mess"  Andrew  Tyler,  John  Colman  &  Henry  Bering 
be  a  Comittee  to  Consider  of  &  Provide  Something  Relating  to 
Scavengers  Petition  and  lay  it  before  the  Town  for  their  Consid- 
eration at  the  Next  Meeting 

Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Assessors  for  the  year  Ensueing 
messu"  Jonas  Clarke  -         -         - 


Caleb  Lyman  - 
Jacob  Sheaff  - 
Daniel  Loring 
James  Watson 
John  Staniford 
Thomas  Lee    - 


-  y  Chose  Assessors 


-J 


Then  the  Meeting  Adjorned  till  to  Morro  morning  Eight  of  the 
Clock  Tuesday  March  the  10"^ 


Joshua  Dodge    - 
James  Dawson   - 
Thomas  Townsend 
Silence  AUin 
Thomas  Inches  - 


-  Sworn  "^ 

-  Sworn  1 

-  Sworn  y  Sealers  of  Leather 

-  Sworn 

-  Sworn  J 


Samuel  Wardel 
Francis  Wardel 
Beuja"  Russell 
John  Endicott 
Joshua  Thornton 
Hopestil  Foster 
John  Adams 


Sworn  '^ 

Sworn 

Sworn 


^P'ence  Viewers 


Sworn 


Edward  Richards 
Edward  Moberly 
John  Adams 
Joshua  Thornton 
Joseph  White 
William  Young 
William  Pain 
John  Endicot 


Sworn 


1 


,  Vewers  of  Shingles  Measurers 
of  Boards  and  Timber  &c — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1729. 


13 


Barth°  Green     -  -     Sworn  ^ 

John  Blore  Sworn 

John  Holyoke  -  -     Sworn 
Jona"  Willis 

Will'"  Custis  Sworn 
Jona°  Williams  Jun    Sworn 

Abijah  Adams  Sworn 

Joseph  Rainger  Sworn 


y  Clerks  of  the  Marke' 


}    Chose  Scavengers 


[13.]  Charles  Gyles 

Samuel  Jones 
William  Thwing 
John  Wolland 
Jeram*  Belknap 
Benja°  Bridge 
John  Bruster 
Henry  Gibbs 
Joseph  Scott 
Cord  Wing 
John  Endicott 
Isaac  Dastorn 
James  Cary 
John  Buttolph 
Silence  Allin 
Thomas  Mostatt  J 


Voted  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'"  Town  Treasurer  be 
alowed  and  Paid  out  of  the  Treasury  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred 
Pounds  for  his  Service  in  that  office  in  the  year  past — 

Voted  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq""  m""  Ezek"  Lewis  m''  W"  Downs 
m""  Tho^  Cushing  and  m''  Henry  Bering  or  any  three  of  them  be  a 
Coiuitte  to  Audit  the  Treasurars  Acco"s.  for  the  j'ear  Ensueing 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Sirveyers  of  the  High  wayes  for 
the  year  Ensueing 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  take  Care  to  provide  a  Master  for  the 
North  Writing  School,  and  make  a  Return  of  their  doings  therein 
to  the  next  Town  Meeting  — 

Voted  That  there  be  Alowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  the 
Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  towards  Paying  A  Schoolmaster  at  Rumny 
Marsh  for  the  year  Ensueing  he  being  A  Sutable  Person  and  at- 
tending it  — 

William  Cox  Sworn  ^ 


Daniel  Pecker 
Caleb  Ray 


Thomas  Wheeler  Jun     Sworn  j 


S  Chose  Hogg  reves 


Francis  Wells  - 
John  Merrit 
Icabod  Rogers  - 
John  Fisher 
Oliver  Lucas    - 
Thomas  Flagg  - 


Excused  "^ 
Sworn 

Excused 
paid 

Excused 
Sworn 


►  Chose  Constables 


14  City  Document  No.  QG. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  and   Such  as  thej'  Shall   desire  to 
Acompany  them  be  a  Comitte  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  and 
that  they  direct  m""  Peter  Blin  to  a  more  Constant  &  diligent  appli- 
cation to  discharge  the  Trust  CoiSitted  to  him 
Officers  Chosen  for  Rumny  JMarsh  Viz' 

John  Leathe  :  Constable 

Isaac  Lewis       -  -  Sworn")  ^^^^^  y^^^^^^ 


] 


Hogg  reves 


Jacob  Hacey        -         -         - 

Nathan"  Tuttle 

William  Pain  -         - 

Jacob  Chamberlin         -         -       Sealer  of  Leather 

William  Webber  -         -         Sworn  "^ 

Samuel  Henchman       -         -    pay  j  ^,        n      i-  ^.^ 
T  ,     /^  1       1  TT'         >  1  J'  Chose  Constables 

John  Osband       -        -      liixcus  d  [ 

John  Deal  -         -         -      Excus'd  J 

Voted  That  the  Meeting  be  Adjorned  until  three  of  the  Clock 
after  Noon  — 

[14.]     On  the  Petition  for  Paving  in  King  Street 

Voted  That  a  Sum  not  Exceeding  Two  Hundred  Pounds  be 
Alowed  and  Paid  out  of  the  Treasury  to  be  Applyed  for  and 
towards  the  Raising  the  Pavement  lying  before  m""  Cooks  Build- 
ings in  King  Street  that  so  the  wast  water  may  go  over  into  the 
Bason.  The  Several  Abutters  paying  their  proportion  as  usual, 
The  Money  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  b^'  the  Tax  to  be  made 
in  the  year  1731  : 

Voted  That  Bennet  Street,  together  with  an  Alley  lying  on  Said 
Street  leading  into  Prince  Sti'eet  be  paved.  Provided  the  Several 
Abutters  on  Bennet  Street  pay  two  thirds  of  the  whole  Charge. 

On  the  Petition  for  Paving  in  Fish  Street. 

Voted  The  Abutters  paying  the  usual  part  The  Town  will  do 
the  Remander  — 

John  Gridley  -        -  Sworn") 

Jabez  Hunt     -         -  Sworn  >-  Chose  Constable 

John  Kneeland  Jun  -         Excused  j 

Voted  That  Elisha  Cooke,  Tim°  Clarke,  Nathaniel  Green  John 
Ruck  and  Jacob  Wendal  Esq"  be  a  Comitte  to  Consider  of  the 
Petition  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poore,  and  Make  Return  to  the 
Nest  May  Meeting  what  they  think  best  to  be  don  about  it  — 

m''  Benjamin  Fitch  is  Chosen  A  Selectman. 

Upon  Reading  a  Petition  of  Sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  and  Free 
holders  of  the  Town  Dated  the  24'^  of  February  past  Adresed  to 
the  Selectmen  To  Insert  a  Clause  in  their  Next  Warrant  for  Call- 
ing a  Town  Meeting  —  That  the  Town  Might  Consult  proper 
Methods  for  preventing  the  Spreading  the  Small  Pox:  by  Inocula- 
tion — 

Since  the  Date  of  which  Petition  a  Considerable  Number  of  the 
Inhabitants  within  a  few  days  past  haue  bin  Inoculated,  and 
Sundry  Others  are  preparing  therefore.  In  Consideration  whereof 
the  Town  came  into  the  Following  Vote  — 


Boston  Town  Kecoeds,  1729.  15 

That  it  be  Earnestly  Reeomended  to  the  Inhabitants  &  Freehol- 
ders and  in  an  Espesial  Manner  to  Masters  of  Familj^es.  That  all 
Proper  care  be  taken  That  Such  Persons  as  Shall  for  the  Future 
be  Inoculated  for  the  Small  Pox  do  Imediateh'  keep  in  their 
Houses  First  giving  notice  to  the  Neighbourhood  of  Such  their 
Designs,  And  that  during  the  Opperation  of  the  Distemper  all 
proper  Methods  be  taken  to  prevent  it's  Spreading,  And  that  they 
would  not  Come  or  vvalke  abroad  in  the  Streets  Lanes  or  Allej's 
within  the  Town  untill  their  Incisions  are  well  Clensed  and  Healed  : 
Further  That  the  Practitioners  in  Phisiek  would  give  to  the  Select- 
men or  to  the  Town  Clerk  the  Number  of  Persons  by  them  Inocu- 
lated once  a  week  at  least,  with  an  Impartial  Account  of  the 
Operation  on  their  Several  Patients  in  the  Cource  of  their  Inocula- 
tion— 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  A  Committe  to  Audit  the  Accounts 
of  the  Grainery,  And  make  A  Return  thereof  to  the  Next  May 
Meeting 

Voted  also  That  the  Selectmen  Examine  the  Accounts  of  the 
Committe  for  Building  the  New  Grainery  &  Make  Return  to  May 
Meeting 

John  Taylor  sworn  ]  ^n         ^       ,  , , 

Ebenez'-  Clongh  Rope  Maker  paid  |  ^^°^^  Constables 

mess"  Jona°  Williams,  Peter  Thomas,  &  Josiah  Byles  :  Chosen 
A  CoiSitte  to  manage  the  Grain  for  the  year  Ensuing 

William  Coffin  —  &  Excused  Chose  Constable 

Then  The  Meeting  Adjornd  until  to  Moring,  Nine  of  the 
Clock  — 

[15.]     Wednesday  March  the  11th 

Voted  That  the  Coinitte  appointed  to  Prosecute  to  Effect  in  the 
Law  the  affair  of  the  Towns  of  the  House  and  Land  at  the  Dock 
formerly  Claimed  by  Eliukin  Hutchinson  Esq^  Deceaced,  Haue  the 
Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  put  into  their  Hands  to  Carry  it  on,  They 
to  be  Accountable  to  the  Town  for  it  — 

William  Peck  -         -     paid  — :     Constable 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  Raising  Money  be  Continued 
to  the  Next  General  Meeting  — 

Barth°  Green  Jun  Excused:  Chose    Constable 

Benju  Langdon   -         -  paid  :  Chose    Constable 

Joshua  Gill-  -  -  Excused  :  Chose  Constable 
Robert  Ileadwin  -  .  -  Excused  :  Chose  Constable 
Richard  Salter     -         -         -  Chose    Constable 

and  he  Appealed  to  the  Sessions     - 

Peter  LTort        -         -      :  Sworn  :  Chose  Constable 
Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  waite  upon  the  Honour- 
able Thomas  Fitch  Esq''  with  the  Thanl<s  of  the  Town  for  his  So 
free  Lone  of  So  much  Money  to  the  Town  for  the  Purchasing  of 
wheat  for  the  Towns  Use 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 


16  City  Document  No.  66. 

Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regulerl}^  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  on  Tuesday 
Way  the  12"M730: 

After  Prayer  By  the  Eev"^  m^  Sam"  Checldey 
Elisha  Cooke  P^sq""  is  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 
Sundry  Petitions  and  Motions  Read  Viz' 
Abijah  Adams  about  a  Rope  walk 
Constables  Petition 
Old  Constables  Petition 
A  motion  about  Cord  Wood 
The  Return  of  Sundry  Committees 
Voted  to  Chuse  four  Representatives 
The  Number  of  Voters  were  —  530 


Votes. 

Elisha  Cook  Esq'' 

:  405 

m''  Thomas  Cushing 

:  403 

m''  Ezek"  Lewis 

—  410 

m""  Samuel  Welles 

:  387 

were  Chosen  Representatives 

Voted  the  Meeting  be  Adjorned  till  four  of  the  Clock  afternoon 

Post  Meridiem. 
Cap*  John  Osborn  was  Chosen  A  Selectman 
m'^  Richard  Buckle3^  Chose  An  Assessor 
m''  Benjamin  Clougli  Chose  a  Clerk  of  the  Market 
m^'  Abijah  Adams  Petition  about  a  Rope  walk  was  Read  and  Dis- 
mist 

The  Present  Constables  Petition  Read  and  Voted  a  Continuance 
for  Consideration  to  the  Next  March  Meeting 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Late  Constables  Read  and  Voted  That  it 
be  So  far  Granted  That  if  the  Said  Constables  pay  in  to  the  Sev- 
eral Treasurors  three  Quarters  of  the  whole  Sums  Comitted  to  them 
b}^  the  first  day  of  June  Next  That  then  they  Shall  be  Alowed 

Anno  Domini :  1730 

[16.]  One  Mouth  longer  for  the  paying  in  the  Remaing 
Quarter  and  be  Entitled  to  the  three  pence  on  the  Pound  for  Col- 
lecting And  the  Assessors  power  for  abatments  be  Continued  for 
the  Said  time. 

On  the  Report  of  the  Comittee  about  the  Petition  of  the  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  which  was  as  Follows 

The  Committee  having  Viewed  the  Several  Buildings  at  the 
Alraes  House  are  of  Opinion.  That  the  most  Sutable  place  for  an 
Additional  Building  as  Proposed  will  be  at  the  North  East  End  of 
the  House  of  Correction,  To  Extend  thirty  feet  in  Length  the 
Breadth  &  Height  of  the  House,  To  Conform  to  the  Old  Building, 
which  will  Aford  Six  Rooms  on  the  Lower  flore  &  Six  in  the 
Chambers 

Elisha  Cooke  by  Order  &  in  behalf  of  the  Comittee 

Voted  Accepted  and  Continued  the  Consideration  of  it  to  the 
Next  March  Meeting  — 


B.OSTON  Town  Records,  1730.  17 

Upon  the  Report  of  the  Comitte  of  the  Petition  of  the  Scaven- 
gers 

Voted  That  the  Carters  Shall  haue  Eighteen  pence  P''  Lood  for 
Carrjnng  away  the  Dirt,  And  That  the  Scavengers  haue  power  to 
order  a  bellman  or  Some  Piopper  Person  to  warn  the  People 
to  Rake  up  their  Dirt,  And  that  that  Shall  be  as  Etfectual  as  if 
don  b}'  themselves,  And  That  the  Fines  on  the  Carters  for  Neglect 
of  Carrying  away  the  Dirt  be  Augmented  to  Twenty  Shillings  — 

And  That  the  Selectmen  be  Desired  to  prepare  A  Draft  to  lay 
before  the  Next  meeting  in  order  to  haue  it  past  by  the  Sessions 

Voted  That  the  Vote  of_the  Town  of  the  25"^  of  June  1728. 
upon  the  Report  of  the  Coinittee  about  the  Out  Wharfs  of  May 
14'^  1728  lie  and  is  Renew,  and  Ordered  That  it  be  Coiiiitted  to 
the  Representatives  of  this  Town  to  La}^  it  before  the  General 
Court  and  That  they  be  Desired  to  Endeavor  to  Procure  an  Act 
Accordingly 

On  the  Report  of  the  Comitte  for  Examining  the  Acco"  for 
Building  the  New  Grainery  wherin  the  Ballance  was  in  favour  of 
the  Coinictee  four  Hundred  Eighty  Seven  pounds  three  Shillings 
&  Nine  pence  — 

Voted  That  the  Report  be  Accepted,  And  that  the  Said  Sum  of 
four  Hundred  Eighty  Seven  pounds  three  Shillings  &  Nine  pence 
be  paid  to  the  Said  Coiiiittee  out  of  the  Town  Treasurj^  — 

Voted  That  it  be  Refer'd  to  the  Selectmen  to  Consider  of  what 
may  be  Sutable  to  Alowe  the  Coinittee  for  their  Care  in  Building 
the  New  Grainery,  The  Comittee  for  Bulyng  of  Grain,  And  m"" 
Jona°  Williams  for  taking  Care  of  the  Grainery  Since  the  Death 
of  m''  Galpin,  And  make  Return  to  the  Town  at  their  Next 
meeting 

The  Meeting  Adjorned  til  Tuseday  May  the  19"^  at  four  of  the 
Clock  P.M 

Tuesday  May  the  19'^^  1730 
Voted  A  Grant  of  fiueThousand  &  five  Hundred  Pounds  be  Raised 
on  the  Inhabitants  &  Estates  within  this  Town  for  Releif  of   the 
Poor,  Defraying  the  Charg  of  the  Watch,  Paving  and  Other  Neces- 
sary Charges  arising  within  &  for  the  Town  the  year  Ensuing 

[17.]  At  a  Meting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled 
in  A  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  on 
Wednesday  January  tlie  20"'  1730  : 

After  Prayer  By  the  Rev°'  m""  Joshua  Gee. 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  is  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

Voted  To  Chuse  four  Representatives  : 

The  Number  of  Voters  were   -  474 

Elisha  Cooke  Escf  votes  -  465 
m""  Thomas  Cushing  -  -  4"^  1 
m"  Ezekiel  Lewis  -  -  -  470 
m^  Sam"  Welles      -         -         -         468 

■were  Chosen  Representatives 


18 


City  Document  No.  G6. 


At  A  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  The 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Monday  the  Eighth 
Day  of  March  :   1730  :  — 

After  Prayers  by  the  Rev*^  m'  SanV^  Checkley. 
Elisha  Cook  Esq""  was  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 
Sundry  Laws  against  Iraoralliiies  &c  Read  — 
Sundry  Petitions  Read  &  Motions  Made  :   (Viz') 
About  PaviDg  in  Salem  Street 
About  Paving  in  And  Near  Cross  Street 
About  Paving  Near  Sudbury  Street 
About  Paving  near  Ann  Street  Leading  to  the  Wharf 
About  A  new  Lane  from  Queen  Street  — 
Armstrongs  Peetiou  for  Alowance 
The  Constables  Petition  for  Further  Alowance 
North  &  South  vSchools  about  Schooll  Masters 
Sam'^  Checkley  Esq''  Chose  Town  Clerk  &  Sworn 
Voted  To  Chuse  Assessors  distinct  from  Selectmen 
Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Selectmen 

ruessu"  Jonathan  Loring 
Sam^  Adams 
Beuja  Fitch 
Sam'i  White 
Joshua  Chever 
Andrew  Tyler 
JohaOsbora 


)■  Chosen  Selectmen 


Joseph  Warisworth  ICsq''  Chose  Town  Treasurer 

Voted  to  Chuse  Sixteen  Constables 

Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Overseers  of  the  Poor  — 


[18.]    Daniel  Oliver  Esq' 
Timothy  Clark  Esq'' 
John  Ruck  —  Esq''  ^ 
Jacob  Wendall  Esif 
m"  Jeffry  Bedgood 
m"^  Jona"  Jackson 
m"^  Sam"  Greenwood 


)■  Chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor 


Then  the  Meeting  Adjorned  untill  Three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon 

Officers  for  Rumny  Marsh  Chose  Viz' 
Daniel  Watts :     Constable 

o      11  rri  A,    (■  Fence  Viewars 
Sam'^  luttle  j 

Robert  Weite      I  tr  o-    P 

Nathan  Sergent  j       »»  ^ 

Nathan  Chever  — Sealer  of  Leather 


Silence  Allin 
Thomas  Inches 
Nathan"  Hodgdeu 
Joshua  Dodge 
James  Pennyman 


1 

I 

y  Sealers  of  Leathe' 


Boston  Town  Eecords    1730. 


19 


1 


Joseph  Rix 
Francis  AVardell 
Johu  Homer 
Thomas  Foster 
Joseph  Russell 
John  Adams 
Hopestill  Foster 
John  Indicott 
Edward  Moberly 
Edward  Richards 
Joseph  White 
Joshua  Thornton 
William  Eustus 
William  Pain 
James  Pecker 
Thomas  Person 
Icabod  Rogers 
John  Melecan  Jun"" 
W"  Darin gton 
Solamon  Kneland  Jun' 
Samuel  Wardell 
Johu  AlUn  Cord  wainer 

1 


>  Fence  Viewers 


I  Surveyors  of  Board  &c, 
'  &  Viewers  of  Shingles  - 


>  Clerks  of  the  Market 


>■  Scavangers  — 


[19.]  George  Skinner 

Edward  Marion 
Robert  Pattishall 
James  Gary 
John  Buttolph 
Henry  Howel 
John  Helier 
W    Tlivng 
Henry  Gibbs 
John  Wolland 
Benja"  Bridge 
Tho^  Brooks 
W"  Fierfield 
Cord  Wiug 
Richard  Hubbard 
John  Beunet  Hatter 
Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  the  Surveyers  of  the  Highwayes 
Votes  for  A  County  Regester  Brought  in  220  Votes  Numbred 
and  Sealed  up  Constable  Jabez  Hunt  to  be  delivered  to  the  Clerk 
of  the  Peace  for  the  Sessions. 

Votes  for  the  County  Treasurer  Brought  in :  149  Votes  Num- 
bred &  Sealed  up  by  Constable  Jabez  Hunt  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Clerk  of  the  Peace  for  the  Sessions 

messu"  Jonas  Clark 
Caleb  Lyman 
Daniel  Loring 

James  Watson  )■  Chose  Assessors 
John  Stanford 
Peter  Thomas 
Will'"  Parkman  J 


20 


City  Document  No.  66. 


>  Chose  Constables 


Excused  Elijah  Collings 

payd    —  Alford  Butler 

payd     —  Charles  Giles  — 

Sworn  —  Jeraruiah  Hall 

Sworn  —  John  Spooner 

Sworn  —  Jona"^  Williams  Jun"" 

Sworn  —  Edward  Vail 

Sworn      Nathan'^  Cobbet 

Paid    —  Benja  Clark 

paid    —  Andrew  Oliver 

Sworn — Edward  Langdon 

paid     —  Jeram*^  Allin 

Sworn — William  Hall 

Sworn      James  Dawson 
Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjorued  to  tomorning  at  Eight  of 
the  Clock  — 

John  Mortimore  "] 

David  Mason  ^,         tt 

William  Olive       ^  Chose  Hoggreves 

Dudson  Killcop   J 
Voted   That   the   Selectmen    &   Such    as   they  Shal    desire   to 
Accompany  them  be  a  Comitte  to  Vizit  the  Free  Shooles  for  the 
year  Ensueing 

[20.]     Voted  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Escf  Town  Treasurer 
be  Alowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  the  Sum  of  One 
Hundred  Pounds  for  His  Service  in  that  Office  the  year  Last  past 
Voted  That  the  Assessor  for  the  year  last  past  be  Impowred  to 
make  Reasonable  Abatements  untill  the  first  day  of  June  Next  — 
Voted   That  the  Constables  for  the  year  next   Ensueing   haue 
three  pence  on  the  Pound  Alowed  them,  for  Collecting  the  Rates., 
Provided  they  Pay  it  to  the  Several  Treasurers  One  half  of  the 
Sums  Coihitted  to  them  to  Collect  by  the  first  day  of  Feb""  Next 
And  Compleat  the  Whole  by  the  first  day  of  June  next  Follow- 
ing- 
Mess'^  John  Jeffries,  Cornelius  Waldo,  Habijah  Savage  Esq", 
Edward  Bromfield  Jun""  &  m''  John  Hunt  or  any  three  of  them  be  a 
Coinitte  to  Audit  the  Treasurers  Acco"s  for  the  year  Eusueing.  — 


1 


1 


Benja  Russell 

Robert  Jarvis 

Benja  Procter 

Sam"  Parkman 

Isaac  Casno 

John  Pinkny 

John  Hol^'oke 

James  Day 

Zech*  Johonet 

Thomas  Clough 
Voted  That  the  Petitions  for  Paving  Viz' 
For  Salem  Street 
For  Part  of  Cross  Street  &c 
For  that  Leading  to  Wentworths  Wharf 
For  Sudbery  Street 


Excused 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Excused 

paid 

payd 

Sworn 

paid 

Sworn 


>  Chose  Constables 


J>  Chose  Constables 


J 


Boston  To'v\T*f  Eecords,  1730-31.  21 

Should  be  Continued  for  Consideratian  unto  the  General  Meet- 
ing in  March  Next  — 

Armstrongs  Petition  for  Alowance  Read  &  Dismist 

The  Constables  Petition  for  further  Alowance  of  May  the  12"* 
Eead  and  Dismist 

The  Constables   Petitian  for  further   Alowance  for   Collecting 

Eates  was  also  Read  &  Dismist  — 

[31.1     Excused     Medlecot  Cooke  )  ^,         ^       ,   , , 
"-        -*    -D     d  T          -in  r  Chose  Constables 

Pay'^  J  er  ami  ah  Green  j 

pay  JohnCompton     [  Chose  Constables 

Excusd      John  Trayle         [  '"^°^®  Constables 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  Raising  money  be  Continued 
to  the  Next  General  Meeting  for  Chusing  Representatives 

Upon  the  Afair  of  A  School  master  for  the  North  Writing  School 
According  to  the  Town  Vote  directing  them 

The  Selectmen  now  Report  That  they  haue  Indeavored  to  find 
a  meet  person  for  the  Said  School  and  Return  m"^  John  Procter  as 
a  meet  Person  for  that  place 

Voted  the  Said  Report  accepted  And  that  the  Selectmen  Intra- 
duce  him  into  the  Said  place  Accordingly  — 

The  Selectmen  also  then  Recomended  m""  Sam'^  Allin  as  a  fltt 
person  to  be  the  master  of  the  South  Writing  iSchool 

The  Report  was  Voted  Accepted  And  That  He  the  Said  Samuel 
Allin  be  Master  of  the  said  School  Accordingly 
Sworn  — Jeramiah  Wheelwright    ^ 
Sworn  —  Joseph  Pomroy  -         -    >- Chose  Constables 
pay —      John  Kneland  Jun"     -    ) 

About  The  Votes  and  Petition  Relating  to  A  New  Way  from 
Queen  Street  to  School  Street 

Voted  That  the  A  fair  be  left  with  the  Selectmen  to  view  it  and 
Consider  of  it  And  make  Return  of  Their  Thoughts  about  it  to  the 
to  the  Next  General  Meeting  for  Chusing  Representatives 

Voted  That  m"^  Jonathan  Williams  be  Alowed  and  paid  out  of 
the  Town  Treasur}'  the  Sum  of  Seventy  Pounds  P''  Annum  for  His 
Service  in  Managing  the  Grainery  Since  the  Death  of  m''  Galpin 

Voted  Furthe""  That  m'^  Jonatlian  Williams  haue  Further  more 
paid  Him  Ten  Pounds  more  P''  Annum  which  makes  Eighty  Pounds 
P''  Annum  from  m''  Gal[)ins  Death  — 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Desired  and  Impowred  of  Keep- 
ing the  Swing  Bridge  in  Repair  at  the  Charg  of  the  Town  uutill 
the  Town  Secause  to  Order  it  Otlierwise  — 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Other  Matters  in  the  War- 
rant Refered  to  be  Continued  to  the  Next  General  Town  Meeting 
for  Chusing  Representatives  — 

Anno  Domini :  1731 
[32.]     At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  being  Regalerly  Assembled 
in  A  Pnblick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Wednesday  May 
the  fifth:   1731  — 

After  Prayer  By  the  Revd  m''  Joseph  Sewall 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq"  is  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 


22  City  Document  No.  66. 

Sundry  Petitions  were  Read  &  Motions  made  Viz' 
m''  John  Wheelwright  About  Pavement 
ra""  Peleg  Wiswalls  Memorial 
m"^  Jeramiali  Gridlej'S 
Sundry  Inhabitants  about  a  way 
Constables  Petition 
A  Motion  was  made  That  Such  Persons  as  Shall  be  Chose  to 
Represent  them  may  Have  Instructions  given  them  — 
Voted  to  Chuse  4  :  Representatives 
Number  of  Voters  were  .         .  .  450 

Elisha  Cook  Esq''  Votes  .  391  ^ 
m""  Thomas  Gushing  -  -  442  I 
m"^  Ezekiel  Lewis  -  -  402  j 
nV  Samuel  Welles       -         -  366  J 


were  Chosen  Representatives 

On  the  Petition  of  M'  Peleg  Wiswal 

Voted  That  there  be  Added  to  His  Sallary  the  Sum  of  Fifty 
Pounds  for  the  year  Currant : 

On  the  Petition  of  m""  Jeramiah  Gridley 

Voted  That  an  Addition  of  Twenty  Pounds  be  added  to  His 
Salary  for  the  year  Currant. 

Voted  A  Grant  of  Six  Thousand  Pounds  be  Raised  on  the  In- 
habitants And  Estates  within  this  Town  for  Releif  of  the  Poo"", 
defraying  the  Charge  of  the  Watches,  Paving,  and  Other  Neces- 
sary Charges  ariseing  within  and  for  the  Said  Town  for  the  year 
Ensueing. 

Voted  To  Chuse  a  Comittee  to  draw  up  Instruction  for  the  Rep- 
resentatives of  this  Town  now  Chosen,  To  present  to  the  Town  for 
their  Consideration  at  the  Adjornment. 

Voted  That,  m""  Edward  Bromfield,  m'  Nathan"  Cunningham, 
Hugh  Hall  E=,q%  m"  Sam"  White,  ra''  Samuel  Adams,  m'"  Oxenbridg. 
Thatche""  m""  Thomas  Cushing  Jun'  &  Co'^  Habijah  Savage  Esq"'  be 
the  Said  CoTuiltee  : 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjorned  to  three  of  the  Clock 
after  noon  :   &  being  met 

John  Flower  was  Chose  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  year  Esuing 

[23.]  On  the  Petition  of  the  Constables  for  the  year  last  past 
for  further  time  to  be  alowed  them  for  paying  in  their  Rates 

Voted  That  it  be  So  for  granted,  That  if  the  Said  Constables 
pay  in  to  the  Several  Treasurars,  Three  quarters  of  the  whole 
Sums  Coinitted  to  them  to  Collect  by  the  first  day  of  June  next, 
That  then  they  be  alowed  untill  the  first  day  of  August  to  pay  in 
the  Remaining  quarter  part,  And  Shall  then  be  alowed  three 
pence  on  the  pound  for  Collecting  the  Same,  And  The  Assessors 
Power  for  Abatements  be  continued  to  the  Said  Time  — 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired,  and  Impowred  to  Enquire 
into  the  Incrochments  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Long  Wharf, 

And  also  of  the  Afair  of  m''  Brattle  Olive/  near  the  South  Batry, 
and  make  Report  to  the  Town  at  the  Adjorment  of  this  Meeting. 

On  the  Petition  of  m""  John  Wheelwright  for  Alowance  of  of  His 
Acco"  for  Paving  in  King  Street : 


Boston  Town  Records,  1731.  23 

Voted  That  his  Acco"  be  Alowed  and  That  the  Sum  of  Two 
Hundred  and  Eighteen  Pounds  iive  Shillings  &  Seven  pence  be 
paid  to  the  Said  John  "Wheelwright  out  of  the  Money,  to  be  Raised 
for  the  present  year,  In  full  discharge  for  the  Said  Paving  — 

On  the  Memorial  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  about  a  way  near  Love 
Street 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  do  Enqun-e  into  the  Premisses,  and 
Report  whether  in  their  Opinion,  it  may  be  for  the  Benifit  of  the 
Town  to  haue  a  High  way  there,  and  Treat  with  the  owners  for 
that  purpose.  And  make  Report  to  the  Town  the  Next  Adjornment 
of  this  Meeting  — 

The  Town  being  now  Advised  That  the  time  by  Law  for  bringing 
forward  an  Action  of  Reveiw  for  the  Recovery  of  Possession  of  A 
Warehouse  clamed  by  the  Heirs  of  Elia"  Hutehiuson  Esq'  Deceaced  ; 
will  Expire  August  Next.  — 

Voted  That  m"^  Thomas  Gushing,  Nath"  Green  Esq'  &  m'  Ezek^ 
Lewis  The  Comitte  to  whome  that  afair  was  betrusted,  be  Desired 
to  bring  forward  Such  Writt  of  Reveiw,  and  That  they  Endeavor 
there  may  be  no  failure  in  duly  &  Seasonably  Prosecuting  that 
Action  to  Effect  in  the  Law  : 

Voted  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'^  Town  Treasu'"  be  desired 
and  is  hereby  Impowred  To  bring  Writts  of  Trespjiss  &  Ejectment 
against  Such  Persons  who  are  in  Possession  of  the  Old  Shops  or 
Buildings,  near  the  Town  Dock,  And  Prossecute  to  Effect  Such 
Actions  against  Such  as  Shall  Refuse  to  Surrender  to  the  Town 
Such  buildings  &  Land  on  which  they  Stand  — 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjorned  to  Tuesday  the  Eighteenth 
day  of  May  Currant  at  three  of  the  Clock  after  noon 

[24.]^    Tuesday  May  the  18"^  1731. 

A  Coihittee  having  bin  Appointed  On  Wednesday  May  the  fifth 
Currant  to  draw  up  Instructions,  for  the  Representatives  of  the 
Town  then  Chosen,  To  present  to  the  Town  for  their  Consideration 
at  the  Afljornment. 

Pursuant  to  the  aboue  vote  the  CoITiitte  haue  drawn  the  Fol- 
lowing Instructions,  which  they  Apprehend  may  be  propper  for 
the  Town  to  give  to  the  Gentlemen  Chosen  to  Represent  them  in 
the  NexC  General  Assembly  (Viz') 

To  the  Hono'"'^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  m""  Thomas  Gushing  m''  Ezek^ 
Lewis  and  m""  Sam'^  Welles  : 

Gentlemen  ;  Under  a  Full  Aprehention  of  your  Loyalty  and 
DutyfuU  Regard  to  His  Present  Majesty  King  George,  Your 
Firm  Attachment  to  the  Succession  in  the  Illustrons  House  of 
Hanover  Your  Penetration  to  Discover,  and  Integrity  to  Pursue 
the  Publick  Intrest  of  this  Province,  We  haue  again  Chosen  you  to 
Represent  us  in  the  Next  General  Assembly,  And  what  we  Expect 
from  you  is  That  in  this  Important  Trust  you  Steadily,  and  with 
a  Propper  Zeal  and  Courage  Pursue  those  things  that  may  Conduce 
to  the  Honour  of  His  INIajestys  Goverment  here;  and  the  weal 
of  this  People  which  we  Aprahend  inseperable :  And  in  A  Pertic- 
uler  manner  we  earnestly  recommend  to  you 

That  you  use  your  utmost  Endeavor  That  the  Great  Priviledges 


24  City  Document  JSTo.  66. 

we  Enjoy  by  the  Euglish  Coustitutiou  &  the  R<)yal  Charter,  May 
be  preserved  from  all  Encrochments,  And  so  handed  Dovvn  to 
Succeeding  Assembl3's  — 

That  yon  Continue  to  Express  Such  A  Dntyfull  Regard  to  His 
Majestys  Governo'',  as  Shall  become  the  Representatives  of  A 
Loyal  People,  And  That  you  use  your  Intrest  That  He  haue  an 
Hono'''^  Support  Sutable  to  the  Dignity  of  His  Station  and  the 
Present  Circomstances  of  this  Province  — 

In  as  much  as  we  are  Aprehensive  That  the  Fixing  the  Cover" 
Sallery  may  Intradue  Consequences  full  of  Distress,  and  Perplexity, 
we  ConlSde  in,  And  Rely  upon  3'ou  to  Exert  your  Utmost  power 
and  Influence  To  prevent  the  Passing  any  Bill  — 

In  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives,  Relating  to  His 
Support  which  may  Setle  the  Salary  for  any  Limited  time  or  that 
may  Prevent :  Obstruct  or  any  way  Impeade  future  Assemblys 
from  Acting  in  that  A  fair  with  the  Same  freedom  former  Assemblys 
haue  Enjoyed  — 

OxENBRiDG  Thatcher 
Sam^^  Adams 
Thomas  Cushing  Jur® 
Habija  Savage 
Edward  Bromield  Juk*' 
Nathan^^  Cuningham 

[35.]  This  Report  was  Read  Sundry  times  Debated  &  Ac- 
cepted And  also  Voted  That  these  Instructions  be  Recomended  to 
the  Representatives  of  this  Town  at  the  Session  and  Sessions 
during  this  Court — 

On  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Persons  for  laying  out  a  new  way 
from  Queen  Street  to  School  Street,  And  was  left  to  the  Selectmen 
the  Eighth  of  March  last  to  Veiw  &  Consider  of  it,  And  make 
Return  of  their  Thoughts  About  it  the  Next  General  Meeting  to 
Chuse  Representatives. 

Having  Veiwed  The  Land  Petition  for  :  We  are  of  Opinion  That 
not  withstanding  the  Petitioners  at  their  Own  Charge,  are  willing 
to  make  the  Necessar}'  Alterations  ;  yet  it  is  not  for  the  Intrest  of 
the  Town  to  Lay  out  Said  Passage  way,  for  that  their  Advantage 
therein  will  no  way  Countervail  their  Loss  in  the  Land,  nor  their 
Constant  Charg  that  will  unavoydable  Acue  to  the  Town  thereby. 

JoNA^  LoRiNG  In  behalf  of  the  Coinittee 
Boston  May  the  5"^  1731  — 

Voted  this  Report  Accepted — ■ 

At  a  Meeting  of  The  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  The 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Monday  May  31"*  1731 
After  Prayer  by  the  Rev'  m^  Thomas  Prince 
Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  was  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 
Number  of  Voters  were      -         -         -         -         297 : 

Votes. 

m""  Oxenbridg  Thatcher  &        -         -         192  ( 
m''  Thomas  Cushing  Jua"^  -         -         204  ) 


BosTOx  Town  Records,  1731.  25 

were  Chosen  for  Representative  in  the  Room  and  Stead  of 
Thomas  Cusliing  &  Ezek"  Lewis  Esq"  who  on  the  Anuoversary 
Election  were  Chosen  Couneellar  or  Assistants  for  this  Province — • 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Reguily  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Monday  August  the 
Second  :  1731  : 

m''  Jonathan  AYilliams  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting  — 

The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  Appointed  to  Consider  of  A  way 
near  Love  Street,  Make  their  Report  as  Follows,  Viz'  Pursuant  to 
the  Vote  of  the  Town  on  May  the  5"'  last  past. —  We  haue  Viewed 
Love  Street,  And  are  of  Opinion  that  it  is  for  the  Intrest  of  the 
Town  as  well  as  for  the  Accomodation  of  A  Larg  Neighbourhood, 
That  Said  Street  be  carryed  through  to  Salem  Street,  But  finding 
a  Difficulty  in  treating  with  the  [*^6.]  Gentlemen  concerned,  we 
desire  thtit  (if  they  thinlv  fitt)  The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  would 
Desire,  That  the  Gentlemen  Justices  belonging  to  this  Town  and 
the  disintrested  Selectmen  may  lay  out  the  Said  Street,  so  as  may 
best  Accomodate  the  Town  and  the  Owners  of  the  Land 
.  Boston  June  the  3 0"^  1731.  Ben.ta^  Fitch 

Sam^'-  White 
Joshua  Chever 
Andrew  Tyler 

This  Report  was  Sundry  times  Read  &  Voted  Accepted. 

Also  on  the  Affair  of  m''  Brattle  Oliver  near  the  South  Batry, 
The  Selectmen  Reported  as  Follows  Viz' 

We  are  of  Opinion  That  the  Wharf  Latly  Rebuilt  by  m''  Brattle 
Oliver,  upon  the  Southerly  End  of  the  Out  Wharf  or  Barricado 
near  the  South  Sconce  or  Battry  (So  called)  of  Right  belongs  to  the 
Town  of  Boston,  being  as  we  apprehend  the  Same  which  was  Sub- 
scribed for  and  Built  by  the  Late  Honou'''^  Governor  Leveret  in  the 
year  1673  :  for  the  use  of  Said  Sconce  in  this  Town  and  on  their 
behalf,  And  inasmuch  as  the  Said  Out  Wharfs  Continue  in  a  veiy 
Ruinous  Condition,  And  there  is  no  present  prospect  of  A  Speedy 
Repair,  which  we  look  on  to  be  Contrary  to  the  true  Intent  of  the 
Antient  Grant  of  the  Flatts  before  the  Town,  to  the  Gentlemen 
that  were  then  Undertakers,  And  also  very  much  to  the  Damage  of 
the  Town,  We  are  further  of  Opinion  that  it  would  be  Advisable 
for  the  Town  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Reports  of  the  Coiiiil- 
tee  Appointed  Anno  :  1728  —  To  Inspect  the  Rueuous  Condition 
of  the  Said  Out  Wharfs  And  the  Honou''''^  the  Representatives  of 
this  Town  as  then  be  again  Desired  to  Lay  the  Same  before  the 
General  Court  for  their  Confermation,  And  in  the  meantime  That 
the  Town  who  by  the  Hono*''*  Governor  Leveret  aforesaid  Sub- 
scribed for  Seventy  fine  feet  in  Said  Undertaking  Appoint  A  Co- 
fhitte  to  Indeavor  a  meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  Said  Wharf  in 
Order  to  Know  their  Several  parts  or  Shares  Subscribed  for  and 
Built,  And  in  Special  that  the  part  belonging  to  the  Town  may  be 
made  Certain  and  so  Rendered  Benefitial.  Which  Report  was 
Read  & 

Voted  and  That  the  Report  of  the  Comitte  Appointed  in  the 


26  City  Document  No.  6(j. 

year  1728  To  Inspect  the  Rnenous  Condition  of  the  Out  Wharfs 
be  Revived  and  Coihitted  to  the  Representatives  of  this  I'own 
and  that  they  be  Desired  to  Indeavor  A  Confermation  thereof 

Also  about  the  Incrochments  of  the  North  Side  of  the  Long 
Wharf  Coinitted  to  the  Selectmen  to  Enquire  into 
[37.]  They  make  their  Report  as  follows  Viz' 
We  haue  also  Viewed  the  Long  Wharf,  find  that  there  are 
Several  Aditions  made  on  the  north  Side  thereof  Viz'  By  m""  Selby, 
m""  Pitson,  m''  Gerrish  &  Co"  Minot,  for  which  in  our  Opinion, 
They  haue  no  Authority  in  the  Grant  of  the  Flatts  made  by  the 
Town  to  the  Proprietors  of  the  Long  Wharf  aforesaid,  In  as  much 
as  the  Said  Proprietors  haue  before  Built  Out  the  full  width  As- 
signed them  by  the  Town  for  that  Service  — 

Jonathan  Loring 
Boston  July  the  30'^  1731  Samuel  Adams 

Benja"  Fitch 
Sam^-'''  White 
Joshua  Chever 
Andrew  Tylor 

Which  Report  was  also  Read  and  Voted  and  also  Voted  That  A 
Comittee  be  Chosen  to  Inquire  into  the  Said  Incrochments  and 
Prossecute  them  in  the  Law  to  Effect 

Voted  That  mess"  Thomas  Brooks,  George  Craddock,  &  Edward 
Pell  be  the  Said  Committee 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  On  Tuesday 
September  the  14'^  1731  : 

After  Prayer  by  the  Rev'  m''  John  Webb. 

Habijah  Savage  Esq'  was  Chose  to  be  Moderator  for  this 
Meeting 

Proposed  to  Consider  About  Reparing  m''  Nathaniel  Williams 
His  Kitchen  &c  — 

In  Answer  to  the  Earnest  Desire  of  the  Honourable  House  of 
Representatives  — 

Voted  an  Intire  Satisfaction  in  the  Town  in  the  late  Conduct  of 
their  Representatives  in  Endeavoring  to  preserue  their  Valuable 
Priviledges,  And  Pray  their  further  Endeavors  therein  — 

Voted.  Thatthe  Afair  of  Repairing  of  the  Wharff  leading  to  the 
North  Battrey.  be  left  with  the  Selectmen  to  do  therein  as  they 
Judge  best  — 

[28.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitant 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regurly  Assembled  in 
A  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  2»Ionday 
the  Thirteen t  day  of  March  =  1 731  :=r 

After  Prayer  By  the  Rev'  m""  Peter  Thatcher 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq*"  is  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

Sundry  Laws  against  Imorality  &c  Read 

Sundry  Petitions  and  Motions  Read  — Viz' 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1731. 


27 


of  Eichard  Whiterage 

of  Rumuy  Marsh 

of  Sam"  Watts 

of  Elisabeth  Smith 

of  the  Sextons 

About  Green  Lane 

of  The  Truckmen 

of  m*"  John  Procter 

The  Selectmeus  Report  Aboue  Love  Street 

For  Paving  in  "Winter  Street 

A  motion  of  Constables  for  Alowance 
Sam"   Checkley  Esq''   Chosen   Town  Clerk,  was  Sworn  to  the 
faithfull  Discharge  of  His  Office  By  Elisha  Cook  J  Peace 
Voted  to  ChuBe  Assessors  distinct  from  Selectmen 
Voted  To  Chuse  7  :  Selectmen 


mess*'  Sam"  Adams       ... 
Sam"  White 

Joshua  Cheever  -         -         - 
Benja  Fitch         -         -         _ 
Andrew  Tyler     -         -         - 
Edward  Brom field 
"William  Downe  -         -         -  , 

Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq""  Chogen  Town  Treasurer  &  Sworn 
Voted  to  Chuse  16  :  Constables  within  the  Town  — 
Rumny  Marsh  Officers  Chosen  Viz — 
Sam"  Pratt :  -         -         Constable     Sworn 

Sam  :  Tuttle  :  X  Jacob  Chamberlin  :  Fence  Vewers 
Thomas  Eustis  :  &  Benja  Whetemare  :  Hog  reves 
Nathan   Cheever  Sealed  of  Leather  — 


\-  Chosen  Selectmen 


[29.]  Dudson  Killcop : 

John  Smith  Jun'^ 

George  Sherror 

Daved  Mason 

Benja^  Russel 

John  Orsborn 

Thomas  Hancock 

John  Henderson 

John  Corser 

Isaac  Walker 

James  Houden       -     ' 

Benja"  Fan u el 

Sam"  Hayley 

Alexan''  Foiesyth  - 
On  the  Petition  of  Rumny  Marsh  — 
Voted  That  there  be  An  Alowance  to  A  Sutable  Schoolmaster 
for  the  Present  year  Twenty  pounds  Aditiou  to  the  Salary  which 
Makes  Sixty  pounds  — 

On  the  Petition  of  m""  John  Procter 

Voted  That  there  be  an  Adition  made  of  Sixty  pounds  to  His 
Salary  for  the  year  Curnant 


pay 
Sworn 

pay 

Sworn 

Excus'd 

pay 

pay  )>  Chosen  Constables 
Sworn 
pay 

'  pay 
pay 
pay 
pay 


28 


City  Document  No.  66. 


Hopestil  Foster 
Charles  Coffin 

Sworn - 
pay 

■Richard  Billings     - 

pay 

Joseph  Grant 
Increase  Blake 

pay 

pay 

Cap'  John  Steel 

Excused 

-  Chosen  Constables 

John  Little 

Excused 

Christopher  Kilbe}'  - 
Jacob  Hurcl 

pay 

pay 

Edmond  Quinsy 
Ebenezcr  Storer 

pay 
pay  J 

Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

Tim°  Clark  Esq^        ") 

John  Ruck  Esq'' 

m''  John  Hunt  | 

m""  Sami'  Greenwood  }►  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

m"'  Jona"  Jackson 

m"'  Jeffry  Bedgood 

m""  Henry  Bering 


Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Assessors  — 

The  Selectmen  Made  A  Motion  tp  the  Town  to  Chuse  Tything- 
men. 

[30.]  mess"  Caleb  Lyman     Excused 

James  Watson. 

Jonas  Clark 

Daniel  Loring 

Jacob  Sheaf 


Richard  Buckley 
John  Stamford     | 
Peter  Thomas      J 


J>  Chosen  Assessors. 


Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Desired  to  Vizit  the  Publick 
Schools  taking  with  them  Such  as  they  Desire  to  Accompany 
them  and  make  Returns  of  their  Doings  to  the  Town  at  their 
Meeting  — 


Josiah  Carter 
Joshua  Dodge 
Benja"  Babbage 
Nathan"  Hodgdeu 
Thomas  Inches 


Sworn") 

Sworn  j 

Sworn  [  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather 

Sworn  i 

Sworn  J 


Francis  Wardel 
John  Endicot 
Joseph  Rix 
James  Barnet 
John  Pearce 
Moses  Aj'res 
Roger  Stainer 


>•  Chosen    Fence  Viewers 


Boston  Town  Records,  1731. 


29 


Jacob  Davis 

Excused  ^ 

ISam^^  Hood  Juu'' 

pay 

Joshua  Townseud      - 

Sworn 

James  Collings 

pay 

Thomas  Jones 

pay 

Robert  Tompson 

Sworn 

Nathan^^  Ayres 

Sworn 

Sam^  Jackson 

Excused 

Sampson  Salter 

Sworn 

Sam^^  Kneeland 

Sworn 

Caleb  Parker 

pay 

Nathan^^  ThwiDg 

Excused  ^ 

Chosen  Constables 


the 


the 


Voted  for  the  County  Treasurer  were  173  Votes,  Numbred  By 
Constable  James  Dawson  Sealed  up  and  Delivered  to  Him  to  be 
delivered  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Sessions 

About   the  Petition  of   Sundry  Inhabitants   for  Enlarging 
Street  in  Green  Lane  The  Petioners  Paying  the  Charge 

Voted   According   to  the   Petition   the  Petitioners   Paying 
Charges. 

On  the  Petition  of  Sam^  Watts :  was  Read  &  Dismist 

Richard  Whiterage  Petion  was  Read  &  Dismist  — 

[31.]     On  A  Motion  of  Several  Sextons  — 

Voted  That  James  Williams  be  Directed  to  Apply  him  Self  to 
the  Selectmen,  And  they  be  Desired  to  State  to  Him  the  Prizes  for 
Diging  Graves  and  Opening  Toombs  &c  in  the  Two  Southern 
Burying  Places  — 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Truckmen  and  Others 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Desired  to  Consider  that  Petition 
and  make  Report  what  may  best  be  don  about  it  at  the  Next 
meeting  — 

Jacob  Holyoke     -  pay  '^ 

Robert  Williams  -  Excused  | 

Robert  Jenkins    -    Excusd  |- Chosen  Constables 

Thomas  Lee  Jun''-  pay  I 

Elijah  Collings    -  P^-v  J 

About  the  Memoriali  ot  Several  Inhabitants  About  the  way  in 
Love  Street  — 

The  Selectmen  being  Appointed  to  Vew  the  Said  Place  and 
make  a  Report,  Which  They  Reported  to  this  Meeting  And  was 
Dated  the  Eighth  of  March  Currant :  Which  Report  was  Read 
Several  times  and  Debated. 

Voted  The  Return  of  the  Selectmen  Accepted  — 


Sworn  ^ 
Sworn  I 

'{,     '      y  Chosen  Constables 
Sworn 


^ViUiam  Eustis 

W'"  Rydoubt     - 

Hugh  Scott 

Huah  Mackdaniel 

Peter  Brittin  Sworn  | 

Nicholas  Salisbery  -  Sworn  J 

Voted  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq''  Town  Treasurer  be  Alowed 
and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred 
pounds  for  Mis  Service  in  that  office  the  year  last  past  — 


30 


City  Document  No.   G6. 


Chosen  Measurers 


Sworn  ^ 
Sworn  I 
Sworn  I 

c!  !  of  Boards  Timber  &c 

Sworn 

Sworn  I 

Sworn  J 

Sworn  ^ 

o  J' Chosen  Hogo^  reevea 

Sworn  I  ^^ 

Sworn  J 


John  Darner  -     - 
Sam"^  Collings   - 
Alexan''  Parkman 
James  Bradford 
Benja  Walcot : 
Sam'^  Jackson 


>  Chose  Clerks  of  the  Market 


William  Pain 
Edward  Moberly 
Francis  More 
Will""  Parkman 
Joshua  Thornton 
Isaac  White 
John  Leech   - 
Ephraim  Copeland 
Thomas  Wardel 
William  Owen  - 
Thornton  Barret 
Voted  That  mes''  Joshua  Winslow,  Nathan'^  Cunningham, George 
Crodock  John  Jeffries  &  WilP  Tyler  or  Any  three  of  them  be  A 
Comittee  to  Audit  the  Treas"  Acco"  for  the  year  Ensueing  — 
[3^.]     Theopilus  Lilly :        Paid^ 
Mathew  Barnet      Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
JO  aid 
Sworn 
Sworn  ^ 
Jona''  Farnum 
Nathan"  Garner 
John  Taylor 
Henry  Gibbs 
John  Welland 
Edward  Emerson 
John  Hill 
Joseph  Webb 
Nathan"  Barber 
WilP  Dorenton 

Voted  A  Grant  of  Five  Thousands  Pounds  on  the  Inhabitants 
and  Estates  within  this  Town,  For  Releif  of  the  Poor,  Defraying 
the  Charge  of  the  Watches,  Paving,  And  Other  Necessary  Charges 
arising  within  and  for  the  Said  Town  for  the  year  Ensueing  — 

On  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitents  for  Paving  in  Salem 
Street. 

Voted  According  to  the  Petition,  And  that  the  Selectmen  be 
Impowred  to  Act  Accordingly,  The  Abutters  doing  their  part  as 
Usually  — 

On  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  About  paving  near  Cross 
Street  — 

Voted  According  to  the  Petition  And  That  it  be  left  with  the 
Selectmen  to  Act  therein  as  they  find  Reasonable 

On  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Paving  in  Winter 
Street 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  Take  Care  that  the  Towns  Part  of 
Winter  Street  be  Repaired  at  the  Cost  and  Charges  of  the  Town, 
The  Several  Abutters  paying  their  proportionable  part  of  the 
Street  as  is  Accustomary  — 

The  work  to  be  Erected  when  there  Shall  be  Money  Raised  for 


>■  Chosen  Scavengers 


Boston  Town  Eecords,   1731-1732.  31 

Paving  over  and  Aboue  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  Pounds  Already 
voted  at  this  Meeting  for  that  purpose  — 

[33.]  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Desired  and  Impowred  to 
tak  Effectual  care  that  the  Highways  within  the  Town  of  Boston, 
more  Espetially  those  in  the  District  of  Rumu}-  Marsh  be  keep  in 
good  and  Sufficient  Repair 

William  Torry       -       Excusd  ^ 

Joseph  Raiuger     -       Excusd  [■  were  Chosen  Constables 

Andrew  Frizwell  -         Sworn) 

Voted  That  the  Assessors  for  the  year  last  past  be  Impowred 
to  make  Reasonable  Abatement  untill  the  first  day  of  June  next. 

Voted  That  the  Constables  for  the  year  next  Ensuing  haue  three 
pence  on  the  Pound  alowed  them  for  Collecting  the  Rates  —  Pro- 
vided they  pay  it  to  the  Several  Treasurors  One  half  of  the  Suras 
Coinitted  to  them  to  Collect  by  the  first  day  of  Februar3'  next,  and 
Compleat  the  whole  by  the  first  day  of  June  next  Following 

Voted  That  the  Affair  of  the  Old  Shops  on  the  Dock  be  Con- 
tinued for  Consideration  unto  the  Next  meeting. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitant  of  the 

Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qulified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 

Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  Wednesday 

May  the  Tenth  1732  — 

After  Prayr  by  the  Rev*  mr  Welsted. 

Sam*^  Welles  Esq''  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting  — 

Several  Petitions  were  Read  Viz' 

Of  Sam"  Sewall  Esq^ 

One  About  the  North  Writing  Scholl 

of  Doc'^  Zabdiel  Boylston 

Of  Riehai'd  Whittraage 

Of  John  Lovel : 

Voted  to  Chuse  :  4  Representatives 

Number  of  Voters  were         _         -         _         -         _         G55 

.Samuel  Welles  Esq*"  5371  p, 

m''  Thomas  Cushins;  Jnn  -         -  554  V  „  ... 

TT  1--  1   o  T-     r  ooo  i  Representatives 

Habijah  Savage  Esq"^        -         -  332  )       '■ 

Voted  The  Meeting  Adjorne  to  four  A  Clock  after  Noon  —  the 
Met 

Number  of  Voters  were  649 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  —  346  :  Chosen  A  Representative 

Voted  To  Chuse  A  Coinittee  to  Draw  up  Instructions  for  the 
Representatives  of  this  Town  Now  Chosen  To  pesent  to  the  Towu 
for  their  Consideration  at  the  Adjornment  of  this  Meeting  — 

Anno  Domini  1732  :  May  10'''. 

[34.]  Voted  That  the  Instructions  Should  be  upon  the  Fol- 
lowing Heads  Viz' 

About  The  Governors  Support  According  to  His  Majestys  In- 
structions — 

And  About  the  Method  for  Supplying  the  Treasury  And  also 
About  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Late  Colony  of  the 
Massachusets  Bay  of  New  Pliraouth  and  of  the  Province  of  Main  — 


32  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Voted  That  there  be  Fine  Persons  Chosen  to  be  of  the  Said 
Comittee. 

Voted  That  mT  Nathaniel  Cunningham  m''  Samuel  Waldo  Henry 
Bering  Esq''  m"'  Edward  Bromfield  &  m""  Thomas  Brooks  be  the 
Said  Committee 

Voted  That  the  Comittee  Appointed  to  Prossecute  the  Tresse- 
passers  on  the  north  Side  of  the  Long  Wharf  Suffer  Themselves  to 
be  Non  Suted  in  the  Several  Actions  already  Coraensed 

Jacob  Griggs :  Sworn  :  Chose    A  Constable 
Joseph  Snelling  -         paid  i  ^^^^.^^^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^^^^ 
Jona°  tarnum-         Sworn  ) 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Constables  for  the  year  last  past  for 
further  time  to  be  Alowed  them  for  paying  in  their  Rates 

Voted  That  it  be  So  far  Granted  That  if  the  Said  Constables 
pay  in  to  the  Several  Treasurors  Three  Quarters  of  the  Whole 
Sums  Committed  to  them  to  Collect  by  the  Eirst  day  of  June  Next, 
That  then  they  be  Alowed  untill  the  first  day  of  August  to  pay  in 
the  Remaining  Quarter  part,  And  Shall  then  be  Alowed  three  pence 
on  the  pound  for  Collecting  the  Same  And  The  Assessors  Power 
for  Abatement  be  Continued  to  the  Same  time  — 

Voted  That  This  Meeting  be  Adjorned  To  Wednesday  the 
Seventeenth  day  of  May  Currant  at  four  of  the  Clock  After  noon  — 

May  the  17*  1732 

The  Committee  Chosen  and  Appointed  May  the  10*^  to  draw  up 
Instructions  for  the  Representatives  Presented  a  Draft  of  of  them 
upon  the  Several  Heads  Directed  to  — 

Which  were  as  Follows  Viz' 

[35  o]  At  A  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  Boston  upon  Wednesday 
the  10'-'  Day  of  May  1732  — 

m'' Nathan"  Cunningham,  Henry  Deering  Esq'  m''  Samuel  Waldo, 
m''  Edward  Bromfield  and  m""  Thomas  Brooks  — 

Were  Chosen  A  Committe  To  Prepare  Instructions  for  the 
Representatives,  And  Lay  them  before  the  Town  for  their  Apro- 
bation  at  the  Adjorment  Alay  the  17'^  Currant  — 

Presented  as  Follows  Viz' 

ToElisha  Cooke  Esq''  Samuel  Welles  Esq""  Habijah  Savage  Esq' 
&  m'"  Thomas  Cushing  Jun. 
Gentlemen 

We  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  Regulerly  Assembled.  In 
Confidence  of  your  Integrity,  Wisdom  and  Courage,  Have  Chosen 
you  to  Represent  us  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  of  this 
Province  for  the  year  Insuing.  And  alth6  we  do  not  in  the  Least 
Question  your  FaithfuUness  to  the  True  Intrest  of  this  Province  in 
Generall  as  well  as  to  the  Trade  and  Business  of  this  Town  in  Per- 
ticuler,  Yet  Esteeming  it  our  Duty  in  this  unhappy  Juncture  (where 
in  Our  Laws,  Liberties,  &  Properties  are  in  the  Greatest  Danger) 
Earnestly  to  Request  of  you  to  Exert  all  your  Powers  in  Conjunction 
with  the  other  worthy  Members  of  the  Honourable  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives To  Guard  against  and  Defend  us  from  all  Incroach- 
ments  whatsoever.  That  may  be  attempted   against   our   natural 


Boston  Town  Records,  1732.  33 

Rights  or  Charter  Priviledges,  And  that  our  minds  may  be  alwaj^s 
Present  in  your  Thoughts.  We  would  more  Perticuleily  Recommend 
to  you. 

P'  That  you  use  your  utiBOst  Endeavor,  That  His  Excellency 
our  Governour  Have  an  Honourable  Support  Sutable  to  the  Dig- 
nity of  His  Station  and  the  Circomstances  of  this  Province.  And 
in  as  much  as  we  are  apieheusive  that  the  fixing  a  Salary  on  the 
Governour  may  Produce  fatal  Consequences,  we  confide  in  and 
Rely  upon  you  to  Exert  your  utmost  power  and  Influence  to  pre- 
vent the  Passing  any  Bill  in  the  Honourable  House  of  Representa- 
tives Relating  to  His  Support  which  may  Setle  the  Salary  for  any 
Limitted  Time  or  that  may  Prevent  Obstruct  or  any  ways  Impede 
Future  Assemblys  from  acting  with  the  Same  freedom  former 
assemblys  have  Enioyed. 

2iy  We  Earnestly  Recommend  to  you  the  Care  of  the  Treasury, 
And  that  you  use  your  utmost  Endeavor  That  it  be  Supplyed  with 
Such  Sufficient  Sums  of  Money  as  is  necessary  to  answar  the  Great 
Charge  of  the  Province  both  Past  and  Future,  and  we  depend  upon 
j'ou  That  it  be  Don  after  such  a  manner  as  is  Consistant  [36.] 
with  the  Safety  of  this  Province,  and  the  Preservation  of  our  Rights 
and  Priviledges ;  And  in  as  much  as  the  Charter  gives  the  Great 
and  General  Court  full  power  to  Support  the  Government  Here  by 
Enacting  Such  Laws  and  Ordinances  as  they  in  their  Great  Wisdom 
Shall  Judge  best  Adapted  to  Subserve  the  true  Intrest  of  His 
Majestys  Good  Subjects  of  this  Province  A  Complyance  with  His 
Majesties  Instructions  would  Enevitably  Clash  with  the  Power  of 
making  Laws,  and  Deprive  this  People  of  one  of  the  most  valuable 
Priviledges  Held  and  Enjoyed  by  the  Charter. 

We  therefore  Enjoyu  you  to  Oppose  any  Bill  for  the  Supply  of 
the  Treasury  That  may  be  Brought  forward  in  the  Honourable 
House  of  Representatives,  That  may  in  the  Least  Bear  upon  Our 
Natural  Rights  and  Charter  Priviledges  —  which  we  aprehend  the 
giving  in  to  the  King's  Instructions  would  Certainly  do 

3'^  Where  as  There  has  bin  Granted  away  in  time  Past  Vast 
Tracts  of  Laud  for  the  Setling  new  Town  Ships  in  Answar  to  the 
Prayer  of  Divers  Petition,  That  Haue  bin  Prefered,  and  too  often 
Influenced  by  Perticuler  Persons,  who  by  their  Art  and  Cunning 
haue  Gained,  to  them  selves  Great  Advantages  thereb}'  without 
being  at  little  or  no  Charge  in  forwarding  and  Setling  Those 
Townships  Whereby  Great  Hurt  and  Damage  has  bin  don  the  Prov- 
ince. Wee  therefore  in  an  Especiall  manner  Recomend  to  3'ou, 
That  you  use  j'our  utmost  Endeavors  That  the  unappropriated 
Lands  Lying  within  the  Late  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts,  New  Pli- 
mouth  and  Province  of  Main  be  Divided  to  and  Among  the  Several 
Towns  within  this  Province,  In  the  ]\Iost  Just  and  Equal  Proportion, 
The  Court  may  agree  upon  And  Subjected  to  Such  Terms  of  Setle- 
ment  as  Shall  be  ordered.  The  Giving  and  Granting  away  the  Pub- 
lick  Lands  in  the  way  and  Method  Lately  Endeavored  after  being 
only  to  Serue  Some  Perticuler  Persons,  And  give  others  on  opportu- 
nity to  Enrich  them  Selves  l)y  Indirect  means,  we  therefore  Give  it 
in  Charge  to  you,  That  you  use  your  utmost  Influence  That  no 
Lands  be  disposed  of  To  Perticaler  Persons  But  to  the  Several 


34  City  Document  No.  66. 

ToFDS  in  Equal  Proportion  Throughout  this  Province.  Those  three 
articles  are  what  we  haue  Thought  Propper  to  Recommend  to  3'ou, 
And  is  in  Order  to  Prevent  any  Sugestions  that  may  be  Insinuated, 
That  in  acting  on  any  of  those  Heads,  you  do  not  act  agi*eeable 
to  the  mind  of  your  Principals  or  to  Prevent  any  adjornments  or 
Prorogations  to  Consult  your  Principalis  as  Has  bin  Don  heretofore. 
[37.]  Natiian^-'^   Cunningham. 

Sam^^  Waldo 
Heney  Deking 
Thomas  Brooks 

At  the  Adjorment  of  the  Meeting,  May  17*'^  1732,  The  Comittee 
Presented  the  Foregoing  Instructions. 

They  were  Head  Sundry  times  were  Debated  and  Voted  ac- 
cepted to  be  the  Instructions  for  the  Representatives. 

In  answar  to  the  Petition  of  the  Heirs  of  the  Hon*^^*  Sam"  Sewall 
Decece"^ 

Voted,  That  Josepli  Wadsworth  Esq''  Treasurer  for  the  Town  of 
Boston  or  the  Treasurer  for  the  time  being  be  Impowred  &  Direct- 
ed to  Execute  a  Deed  of  Release  of  the  Towns  Right  to  an  Annu- 
ity of  flue  pound  and  four  Shillings  Charged  on  a  sertain  Pasture 
in  Boston,  Called  Elme  Pasture,  To  the  Heirs  of  the  Late  Hon'''^ 
Sam"  Sewal  Esq.  Dece*^  upon  their  Paying  the  Sum  of  One  Hun- 
dred Pounds  in  Province  Bills  or  Currant  money,  Which  Sum  is 
Hereby  Appropriated  and  Sett  apart  for  ever  to  be  let  to  Intrest 
by  the  Said  Treasurer  for  the  use  and  Beniflt  of  the  School  Situ- 
ate at  the  uper  end  of  Bond  Street  in  the  Souther  end  of  Boston, 
for  which  End  the  Said  Annuity  was  given  by  the  Said  Honourable 
Samuel  Sewall  Esq"" 

In  answar  to  the  Petition  of  Richard  Whittrage. 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  P'"  Annum  from  this  Day 
be  alowed  and  Payed  Out  of  the  Treasury  to  the  Said  Richard 
Whittrage  during  His  natural  life,  to  be  payed  Quarterly. 

In  answar  to  the  Petition  of  m""  John  Procter  about  the  north 
writing  School. 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Coinitte  to  vew  the  Place  and 
Consider  the  Petition  and  make  Report  to  the  next  meeting  what 
had  best  be  don  about  it. 

In  answar  to  The  Petition  of  m'"  Zabdiel  Boylston. 

Voted.  That  the  Petition  and  acco"  be  Left  with  the  Select  men 
to  make  Enquir}'  into  that  afair  and  make  Report  to  the  Town  at 
their  Next  meeting. 

In  answar  to  the  Petition  of  m""  John  Lovell. 

Voted.  That  the  Consideration  of  it  be  Continued  to  the  Next 
Meeting  to  be  Debated. 

In  Answar  to  the  Petition  of  the  Truckmen  and  others 
which  was  Coinitted  to  the  Select  men  to  Consider  of  and  make 
Report  which  is.  We  haue  Considered  the  within  Petition  and  are 
of  Opinion  That  the  Town  Law  in  that  Case  already  made  is  a 
Good  and  wholsom  Law  and  think  it  ought  to  be  put  in  Execution. 

Samuel  Adams,  Benja.  Fitch,  Samuel  White,  Andrew  Tyler, 
William  Downe,  Select  men. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1732.  35 

Read  and  Voted  —  Accepted. 

Voted.  That  mess"  William  Tyler,  Edwai'd  Duraiit  &  Joseph 
Marion  be  a  Coinitte  to  Receive  any  proposals  any  may  make 
[38.]  for  Demolishing  or  Hireing  out  the  Old  Buildings  Be- 
longing to  the  Town  of  Boston  in  Dock  Square,  And  to  Report 
To  the  Town  what  Proposals  Shall  be  made  to  them  at  the  next 
meeting,  And  That  Every  One  maj'  be  apprized  of  this  Afair  The 
Coiiiitte  are  Directed  to  advertise  in  the  weekly  Prints. 
The  Return  of  the  Select  mens  Report  about  Sextons. 
Whereas  The  Freeholders  and  Oiher  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  at  their  Annual  Meeting  on  the  IS""  day  of  March  1731. 
Did  by  their  Vote  Direct  James  Williams  to  Appl}-  Himself  to  the 
Select  men  of  Said  Town  in  order  to  Regulate  the  Prices  of  Diging 
Graves  and  opeing  Toombs  in  the  Two  South  Burying  Places, 
which  he  has  accordingl}'  Don,  And  They  Have  Stated  the  Prices 
for  the  Several  Burying  places  in  this  Town  as  Follows  viz'. 

Digging   Graves    for  White   Persons  man  or  woman   Ten 

Shillings. 
For  Persons  from  Six  to  Twelve  of  age.     Seven  Shillings. 
For  Children  Caryed  by  Hand  five  Shiilii>gs 
For  Digging  a  Grave  for  a  Negro  Man  or  woman  Seven 

Shillings  and  Six  pence. 
Ditto  from  Six  to  Twelve  years  of  age  Six  Shillings. 
For  Children  four  Shillings 

For  Opening  the  New  or  Wall  Toombs  Fourteen  Shillings 
For  Opening  the  Old  Toombs  or  those  that  Stand  in  the 

midst  of  the  Burying  Places  Sixteen  Shillings. 
Boston,  May  the  9*  1732 

f Samuel  Adams 
Bknj^  Fitch 

c^  1     i  Samuel  White 

Selectmen  •<    .  ,,-, 

j  Andrew   Iyler 

William  Downe 

(^Edward  Bromfield 

Samuel  Avis  Chose  a  Clerk  of  the  market.     Sworn 

[39.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Free  holders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  assembled  in 
a  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Tuesday  J un  27 —  1732 

m""  Geoi-ge  Crodock  is  Chosen  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

In  answar  to  the  Petition  of  m"^  John  Procter  and  others  abouth 
the  North  Writing  SchoU. 

The  Select  men  being  appointed  May  the  17*  To  be  a  Committee 
To  Vew  the  Place  and  Consider  the  Petition  and  make  Report  to 
the  Next  Meeting  what  had  best  to  be  don  about  it. 

Now  make  their  Report  which  was 

Boston  June  the  26""  1732 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  at  their  meeting  in  May  Last. 
Having  Considred  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  north 
part  of  the  Town  for  Enlarging  the  North  writing  School.  We 
are  of  Opinion  That  it  will  very  much  Serve  that  i)art  of  the  Town, 


36  City  Document  No.  66. 

That  Said  School  House   be   Enlarged   aud   an  Usher   m"^  John 

Procter  the  present  master. 

Sam^^  Adams 
Benj^  Fitch 
Joshua  Cheever 
Andrew  Tyler 

W^    DOWNE    & 

Edward  Bbomfield 

The  Report  was  Read  and  Voted  Accepted. 
Voted  That  the  Select  men  be  Impowred  and  Directed  to  Act  in 
that  Afair. 

On  the  Petition  and  acco"  of  Doc""  Boylston  Comitted  to  the 
Select  men  to  Consider  and  Report,  make  Report  as  follows  viz'. 
Also  upon  the  Petition  and  acco"  of  Docf  Zabdiel  Boj'lston  being 
for  Nedisons  and  atendance  on  John  Simms  a  Poor  man  of  the 
Town.  Upon  Conferance  had  with  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  who 
Incoraged  Said  Boylston  in  Said  Servise.  We  are  of  Opinion  He 
deserves  Thirty  Pounds  in  full  Discharge  of  His  Acco". 

Sam'^^  Adams 
Benja^  Fitch 
Joshua  Cheever 
Andrew  Tylor 
William  downe  & 
Edward  Bromfield 

The  Report  was  Read  and  Voted,  accepted. 

Voted.  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  pounds  be  paid  by  the  Town 
Treasurer  to  Docf.  Zobdiel  Boylston  in  full  of  His  account. 

[40.]  Voted  That  m''  Edward  Mills  School  master  haue  an 
assistant  being  in  a  Bad  State  of  Health. 

Voted.  That  the  Select  men  be  Empowred  and  Directed  to  Seek 
out  and  agree  with  a  Sutable  Person  to  assist  m"  Edward  Mills  untill 
the  Town  meeting  in  March  next. 

Voted.  That  mess""^  Joseph  Marion,  Edward  Durant  and  The- 
opilus  Lilly  be  a  Covnitte  to  Receive  any  Proposals  any  ma}'  make 
for  Demolishin  or  Hireing  out  the  Old  Buildings,  Belonging  to  the 
Town  in  Dock  Square  and  to  Report  to  the  Town  what  Proposalls 
Shall  be  made  to  them  at  the  Next  meeting.  And  That  Every 
one  may  be  apprized  of  this  Afair.  The  Comittee  are  Directed  to 
advertise  it  in  the  weekly  Prints  — 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Free  holders  and  other  Inhabitans  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Daly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  a 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Frj^day  July  28"^  1732. 

Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq"",  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  meeting. 

The  Petition  of  m""  John  Lovell  was  Read. 

In  Answar  to  the  Petition  of  m'  John  Lovell. 

Voted.  That  an  Adition  of  Twenty  Pounds  to  the  Salary  of  m' 
John  Lovell  for  the  Present  year  as  one  of  the  Ushers  of  the  South 
Gramer  School  be  made  to  Him. 

The  Comittee  appointed  June  the  27*.  1732.  To  Receive  any  Pro- 
posals any  may  make  about  tiae  Old  Buildings  in  Dock  Square.  &c. 


Boston  Town  Kecokds,  1732.  37 

The  Committee  make  their  Report  viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Said  Vote,  Tlie  CoiSitte  therein  named  haue 
Advertised  in  the  Publick  Prints,  The  Times  and  Place  of  their 
meetings,  And  Strictly  given  their  Attendance  &  haue  Eeceived 
Proposals  by  way  of  Subscriptions  from  Mess""^  Gibb,  Boylston, 
Noyce  and  Others,  for  Demolishing  the  Said  Buildings  as  is  Per- 
ticulerly  Sett  fourth  in  their  Proposals  and  Subscriptions  here  with 
Exhibitted.  Also  proposals  from  m''  Josiah  Franklin  for  the  De- 
molishing and  Erecting  others  as  by  the  Proposals  here  with 
Presented  will  appear  and  we  do  accordingly  make  this  our  Report 
on,  [41.]  The  Premices  for  the  Towns  Consideration  thereon 

Dated  in  Boston  this  28"^  day  of  July  Anno  Dom'  1732 

Joseph  Marion 
Edward  Durant 
Theop^.  Lillie. 

Voted.  That  the  Report  of  the  Committee  Relating  to  the  Old 
Decayed  Buildings  on  Dock  Squar  with  the  Proix)sals  of  mess'^ 
Gibbs,  Boj'lston,  Noyce,  and  others,  with  m''  Franklins  Proposals 
be  Continued  untill  the  next  march  Meeting  of  this  Town  and  That 
mess"  Joseph  Marion,  Edward  Durant,  Theop^  Lillie,  William 
Stoddard  and  Jeffry  Bedgood  be  a  Committee  in  the  mean  time  to 
tak  into  Consideration  the  said  Proposals  together  with  such  other 
proposals  as  may  be  layed  before  them  in  Order  to  Report  to 
the  Town  at  the  Said  meeting  in  march  next  what  in  their  Opinion 
may  Conduce  most  to  the  best  Benifit  and  advantage  of  this  Town, 
and  what  the  Town  ought  to  do  therein. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Free  holders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  a 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House,  monday,  march  the 
Twelfth  1732 

After  Prayer  by  the  Rev'  Doc"".  Benjamin  Colman. 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq"",  was  Chose  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

Suudrys  Laws  against  Imoraiity  &c.  Read. 

Sundry  Petitions  Read  &  motion  made  viz'. 

A  Petition  for  Paving  in  Orange  Street. 

John  Chambers  Petition 

Watchmens  Petition 

Sam^l  Bots  Petition 

Zecha*.  Hicks  Petition 

A  motion  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

A  Proposal  of  Sundry  about  a  market. 

For  Paving  in  winter  Street. 

about  a  water-Course  in  water  Street. 

Jonathan  William.s  about  the  Grainer}'. 

about  water  Engine-men 

about  an  office  for  the  Town-Clerk 

The  Constables  Petition 

[43.]     Samuel  Checkley  Chose  Town  Clerk  and  Sworn. 

Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer,  Numbred  and  Sealed  up  in  the 
prence  of  Joshua  Townsend  Constable  to  be  delivered  by  llim  to 
the  Clerk  of  the  Sessions.     The  votes  were  389. 


38 


City  Doclwient  No.   GG. 


Voted  to  Chuse  assessors  Distinct  from  the  Select  men. 
Voted  to  Chuse  Seven  Selectmen. 

Mess"  Edward  Bromfield  Jun""  ^ 

William  Downe 

Jonathan  Armitage 
Refused  Thomas  Lee 

David  Colton 

John  Jeffties 

Joshua  Winslow 


)-  Chosen  Select  men. 


Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq"'  Chose  Town  Treasurer,  and  Sworn. 
Officers  for  Bumny  Marsh  Chosen  Viz' 
Jacob  Chamberlin  —  Constable  —  Sworn 
Samuel  Tattle  ) 
Thomas  Pratt   j" 
Nathan  Cheever  —  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Sworn  John  Hasy 
Sworn  Isaac  Lewis  Jun"" 


Fence  Viewers 


Hogreves 


Voted.  That  there  be  alowed  and  Payed  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury  ;  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  for  the  year  Currant  To  a  Suta- 
ble  Person  for  a  School  master  at  Rumny  Marsh  to  the  Satisfac- 
tion of  the  Select  men  He  giving  his  atendance  for  whole  year  to 
be  paid  Quarterly. 

Voted.  To  Chuse  seven  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

John  Ruck  Esq'' 

m""  Jonathan  Jackson 

m''  Jeffry  Bedgood 

m""  Samuel  Greenwood  |>  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

Henry  Derng  Esq"" 

m''  John  Hunt 

m'  John  Hill 

mess"  Jonas  Clark 

James  Watson 

Daniel  Loring 

Richard  Buckle}'  }■  Assessors 

Jacob  Sheaf 

Peter  Thomas 

Mathew  Adams 

Voted  to  Chuse  Twelve  Constables 
[43.]     Voted.     That  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  To-morow 
morning,  Eight  of  the  Clock. 

Excused    John  Clark  Chandler^ 
Peter  wroe 
Nathan^^  Fletcher 
Martin  Brimmer 
Mathew  Barnard 
John  Osborn 
Samuel  Grant 
John  Little 
John  Smith,  Bruer 
Edward  Brazier 


pay 
pay 
pay 

Swoi'n 
pay 

pay 

Appeald 

pay 

Sworn 


!- Chose  Constables. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1732. 


39 


J' Fence  Viewers 


^Clerks'of  the  Market 


Sworu     James  Dawson   ") 
Sworn     John  Allin  | 

Sworn     Thomas  Inches    )■  Sealers  of  Leather 
Sworn     Josiah  Carter 
Sworu    Joshua  Dodge 
Sworn     John  Endicot 
Sworn     Hopestill  Foster 
Sworn     Benja''  Russell 
Sworn     Roger  Stainer 
Joseph  Ricks 
Sam^'  Couiball 
William  Eustis 
Sworn         Stephen  Greenleaf  e  ^ 
Sworn         Micael  Homer  ' 

Sworn         Nicholas  Lash 
Sworn    -    William  Mower 
Swora    -    David  Colson  Jun"" 
Sworn    -    Thomas  warde 
Sworn    -    Alford  Butler 
Sworn    -    John  Waters 
Joseph  Dyar 
John  Taylor 
George  Monk 
William  Young 
Joseph  Gerrard 
Charles  Coffin 
Benja^  Pollard 
Richard  Billings 
Nathan'^  Gardner 
James  Gary 
Henry  Gibbs 
Richard  Hubbard 
John  Potwine 
Benja"  Bridge 
John  Fitch 
Isaac  Dupee 
Sworn     -    Edward  Moberly 
Sworn     -    Joseph  Lowden 
Sworn     -     Edward  Richards 
Sworn     -     William  Paine 
Sworn     -     Edward  Page 
Sworn     -     Francis  More 
Sworn  —  John  Crosby 
John  Clear 
John  Henderson 
Jona".  Neale. 

[44.]  Voted.  That  the  Select  men  and  Such  as  they  Shall 
Desire  to  accompany  them  be  Inspectors  of  the  Schools  for  the 
year  Insueing. 

Nathan"  Salenstal  Esq'  Chose  a  Selectman  in  the  Room  of 
Thomas  Lee,  who  Refused. 


>■  Scavengers 


1 
I 

!    Viewers  of  Shingles, 
]  Boards,  &c. 

I 
J 

1 
I 

)■  Hogreves 


J 


40 


City  Document  No.  66. 


Whether  a  Market  under  Proper  Regulations  would  be  of  Servis 
and  Benefit  to  the  Town. 

Voted  in  the  affermative. 
Voted.  To  Chuse  a  Coinittee  to  Project  a  Schem  for  Regulating 
a  Markett  and  to  lay  it  before  the  Town  at  their  Next  General 
IMeeting  &  CoP  Thomas  Fitch  Esq"'  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq'' 
Jacob  Wendal  Esq""  m''  Nathan'*  Cunningham,  John  Colman  Esq' 
m""  George  Cradock  and  Thomas  Palmer  Esq'  be  the  Said  Co- 
irittee. 

Whereas  there  are  Several  Old  Houses  at  Dock  Square  belonging 
to  the  Town  which  are  in  a  Ruenous  Condition  and  not  worth 
Reparing. 

Voted  That  they  be  forthwith  Demolished,  To  prevent  hurt  and 
Damage  to  Persons  Passing  by  the  Same,  And  That  the  Select 
men  be  Directed  and  Impowred  forthwith  to  Effect  the  Same  in 
the  Best  manner  they  can  for  the  Servis  of  the  Town. 

Inasmuch  as  m'  Henry  Gibbs  has  very  Lately  Incroched  on  the 
Towns  Land  on  Dock  Square  by  Erecting  frames  thereon 

Therefore  Ordered  That  the  Select  men  take  Effectual  Care 
That  the  Said  frames  be  Demolished. 

On  the  Petition  of  m'  Zeck'^  Hicks  assistant  to  m'  Procter. 
Voted.  That  there  be  alowed   to  m""  Zech^  Hicks  at  the  Rate  of 
)ne  Hundred  Pounds  P'  Annum  as  assistant  to  m'  Procter  to  be 
Paid  Him  Quarterly. 

Voted  That  it  be  Left  with  the  Select  men  to  Reward  Such  of 
the  watchmen  as  Shall  be  found  faithfull  in  their  trust  not  Exceed 
ten  Shillings  P'  month. 

Voted.  That  there  be  alowed  and  Payed  to  John  Chambers  the 
Sum  of  Six  pounds  for  His  Ringing  the  Bell  at  the  South 
meeting  House  at  one  of  the  Clock  for  the  year  Insueing. 

Voted.  That  the  Select  men  Prefer  a  Petition  To  the  Great  and 
General  Court  on  behalf  of  the  Town  To  bring  forward  an  action 
of  Review  of  an  Action  Comenced  by  mess"  Thomas  Cushing, 
Ezekiel  Lewis  and  Nathan'*  Green  Esq'  a  Comitte  against  Thomas 
Palmer  Esq'  for  Possession  of  a  Sertaine  Tenement  on  Dock  Square 
the  time  Limitted  by  Law  for  a  Review  being  Expired  notwithstand- 
ing. 

Voted,  this  Meeting  be  adjorned  to  three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon. 

[45.]         Excusd  Moses  Ay  res 

Excusd  Joseph  Shead 

Excusd  Icabod  Rogers 

pay  Ephraim  Copeland 

Sworn  William  Oven 

Sworn  William  Torry 

pay  Peter  Stone 

Sworn  John  Peirce 

Excused  George  Tilly 

Sworn  James  Bennit 

Voted.  That  a  Sutable  office  be  provided  in  the  Town  House  to 
Receive  the  Records  and  Papers  belonging  to  the  Town. 

Voted    That    m'   Samuel  Boss  His  Petition   be   left  with   the 


)■  Chose  Constables 


J 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1732.  '   41 

Select   men  to   Enquire  about   it  and  make   Report  to  the  May 
meeting. 

Or  the  Petition  of  the  Water  Enginemeu. 

Voted.  That  the  Petition  be  Granted  and  That  tliey  be  Excused 
from  al  other  offices  of  the  Towns  Choise  of  them. 
On  the  Petition  about  Water  Street. 

Voted.  That  it  be  left  with  the  Select  men  to  Enquire  into  that 
afair,  and  make  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  May  meeting. 

Voted.  That  m''  Sam^  Holyoke  be  established  as  master  of  the 
School  lately  kept  by  m''  Edward  Mil  s  Deceaced. 

Voted  That  m''  Sam^  Holyoke  haue  paid  Him  One  Hundred  & 
Twenty  pounds  P""  annum  and  haue  the  use  of  the  House  m""  Mills 
lived  in  His  Salary  to  Coiiience  from  the  Death  of  M""  Mills. 

Voted.  That  the  Report  of  the  Comittee  about  the  Treasurers 
acco"'  be  accepted  and  That  he  Be  discharged  accordingly. 

Voted.  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'' Town  Treasurer  be  alowed 
&  payed  Out  of  the  Town  Treasury  One  Hundred  Ponnds  for  His 
Servis  in  that  office  for  the  year  past 

Voted.  To  Chuse  a  Coiuitte  to  Audit  and  Examine  the  Treas- 
urers acco"'  for  the  year  Insuing,  And  to  take  Care  that  the  Several 
Drafts  made  by  the  Select  men  and  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  be 
agreeable  to  the  Laws  of  the  Province,  and  also  to  Report  the 
Ballance  Remaing  in  the  Treasurers  Hand —  and 

Voted.  That  John  Alford  Esq''  Jacob  Wendell  Esq''  Thomas 
Fitch  Esq'',  Hugh  Hall  Esq''  and  m''  Nathan*^  Cunningham  or  any 
three  of  them  be  the  Committee. 

Voted,  a  Grant  of  fiue  Thousand  three  Hundred  pounds  To  be 
Raised  on  the  Inhabitants  and  Estates  within  this  Town,  for 
Releif  of  the  Poor,  Defraying  the  Charges  of  the  watches.  Paving 
and  other  necessary  Charges  Arising  within  and  for  the  said 
Town  for  the  year  Insuing. 

Sworn         Benja"  Salisbery     ~] 
pay  alexander  Hunt 

pay  John  Johnson  [p,  p       ,  ,, 

Excused     Thomas   Stoddard 
pa}^  Francis  Warden 

pay  William  Fearfield 

On  the  Petition  of  n/  Jona"  Williams  Voted 
[46.]     Voted.     That    the    Sum   of    Twenty   Six    pounds    be 
Alowed  to  the  Said  Jonathan  Williams  being  for  So  much  Stolen  out 
of  the  Grainery  To  be  Charged  by  Him  in  His  next  years  accom[)t. 
Voted,     this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  to-morrow  Morning  nine  of 
the  Clock. 

On  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitant  about  Paving  in  Orange 
Street.     Read,  Debated  and  Voted  it  be  Dismist. 
On  m'  Jonathan  Williams  Petition  for  Alowance. 
Voted,     it  be  Refer'd  to  the  Select  men  to  Consider  of  and  Re- 
port to  the  Town  at  May  meeting. 

Sworn.-  George  Beard         "^ 

Sworn  -  Henry  Pidgion         | 

Sworn  -  Roger  llardcastle    )■  Chose  Constables 

Sworn  -  Agusten  Ilayle        |  • 

pay        -  John  Pim  j 


42    '  City  Document  No.  bb. 

Voted.  To  Chiise  a  Coniitte  of  three  persons  to  he  Impowred 
for  La3iDg  out  the  Money  appropriated  for  Purchasing  Grain  for 
the  use  of  the  Town  for  tlie  year  Insueiug. 

Voted.  That  Capt  Henry  Bering,  m""  Nathan"  Cunningham  and 
m''  Peter  Thomas  be  the  Said  Couiittee 

Voted.  That  the  Selectmen  be  Desired  to  Regulate  the  Price 
of  Grain  Sold  at  the  Grainery  for  the  year  lusueing. 

pay       -  John  Trayle        -  Chose  Constable 
Sworn  -  Benja"  Williams  -  Chose  Constable 

Voted.  That  no  new  Lease  of  House  or  Land,  belongin  to  the 
Town  be  given  or  Granted  by  the  Select  men  until  Publick  Notice 
be  given  at  least  Twelve  mouths,  before  the  Expiration  of  the 
former  Lease,  And  That  they  Do  not  finish  any  New  Lease  in 
More  then  Six  months  before  the  Expiration  of  the  former. 

On  the  Return  of  the  Report  of  the  Coinitte  Chosen  July  the 
28'^  1732,  To  Consider  the  State  of  the  Old  Buildings  at  Dock 
Squair  &c.     The  Report  was  Read  and 

Voted,  Thaukes  to  the  CoiTiittee  for  their  Care  and  pains  taken 
therein. 

[47.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitant 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regurly  assembled  in 
a  Publick  Town  meeting  at  the  Town  House  Wednesday  May  the 
ninth  1733. 

After  Prayer  by  the  Reve*  m'  William  Cooper. 
Elisha  Cooke  Esq'  was  Chose  moderator  for  this  meeting. 
Sundry  Petitions  Read  and  Motions  made, 
for  Paving  in  Merchants  Row 
m'  John  Cloughs  Petition 

Isaac  Peirce  His  Petition 
m"  John  Procters  Petition 
m*"  Sam''  Watts,  His  Petition 
The  Constables  Petition 
A  motion  about  Erecting  Mash  Potts 
About  a  Common  Shore  for  the  Toombs 
Voted,     to  Chuse  4  Representatives 
Number  of  Voters  were  -         -         _         -  600 

Elisha  Cook  Esq"^  .541 

Sam"  Welles  Esq'         396 
m'  Thomas  Cushing  juu'  541 

Chosen  Representatives 
Voted.     That  the  meeting  Adjorn  to  Three  of  the  Clock  after- 
noon. 

Met  and  the  Voters  were  554 

m'  Oxenbridge  Thatcher  with  296  votes  was  Chosen. 
Voted.     To  giue  Instruction  to  the  Representatives  now  Chosen. 
Voted  That  the  Instructions  to  the  Representatives  the  year  Past 
Ma}'  the  17'*'  1732  Be  the  Instructions  to  the  Representatives  now 
Chosen  And  Such  others  as  are  here  Inserted. 
Gentlemen 

We  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Dul}'  Qualified  and  Regulerly  assembled  &c. 


Boston  Town  Eecokds,  1733.  43 

In  Confidence  of  3'our  Integrity  wisdom  and  Courage  liaue 
Chosen  you  to  Represent  us  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  of 
this  Province  for  the  year  Insueing,  And  altho  we  do  not  in  the 
Least  Question  your  faithfullness  to  the  true  Intrest  of  this  Pro- 
vince in  General,  as  well  as  to  the  Trade  and  Busyess  of  this 
Town  in  Perticuler,  yet  Esteeming  it  our  Duty  in  this  unhappy 
Juncture  (wherein  our  Laws  Libertys  and  Propperties  are  in  tlie 
Greatest  Danger.)  Earnestly  to  Eequest  of  you  to  Exert  all  your 
Powers  in  Conjunction  with  the  Other  members  of  the  Honourable 
House  of  RepresentatiA'es  to  gard  against  and  Defend  us  from  all 
Incroachments  whatsoever  that  may  bo  attempted  against  our 
Natural  Rights  or  Charter  Priviledges,  And  that  our  minds  may  be 
always  Present  in  your  thoughts. 

[48.]     We  would  more  Perticulerly  Recommend  to  3'ou. 

P'.  That  you  use  3'our  utmost  Endeavor  That  His  Excelenc}' 
our  Governor  may  haue  an  Honor^^^  Support  Sutable  to  the 
Dignity  of  His  JStatiou  and  the  Circomstances  of  this  Province. 
And  Inasmuch  as  we  are  apprahensive  that  the  fixing  a  Sallary  on 
the  Governor  may  Produce  fatal  Consequences,  We  Confide  in 
and  Rely  upon  you  to  Exert  your  utmost  Power  &  Influence,  To 
prevent  the  Passing  any  Bill  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  Re- 
lating to  His  Support  which  may  Settle  the  Salary  for  any  Limited 
time,  or  that  may  Prevent  Obstruct  or  any  ways  Impead  future 
assemblys  from  Acting  with  the  Same  freedom  former  assemblys 
Haue  Enjoyed  you  are  to  Oppose  any  Bill  for  His  Excelency 
Support  unless  in  the  Same  Bill  Provision  be  made  for  the 
Payment  of  all  Publick  Debts  of  the  Province. 

2ndiy.  ^Yg  Earnestly  RecoiSend  to  3'OU,  The  Care  of  the  Treasury, 
and  that  you  use  your  utmost  Indeavor,  That  it  be  Supplyecl  with 
Such  Sufficient  Sums  of  money  as  is  necessary  to  answar  the 
Great  Charge  of  tlie  Province  both  Past  and  future.  And  we 
depend  upon  3'ou  That  you  Oppose  the  Passing  any  Bill  for  the 
Supply  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Payment  of  any  Acco"  of  Charge 
or  Expence  of  Publick  money,  unless  there  be  a  Clause  Inserted, 
That  the  whole  General  Court  haue  the  Inspection  of  the  acco" 
before  Payment,  And  we  Depend  upon  you  That  it  be  Don  after 
Such  a  manner  as  is  Cousistant  with  the  Saft}^  of  this  Province 
and  the  Preservation  of  our  Rights  and  Privileges.  And  inas- 
much as  the  Charter  Gives  the  Great  and  General  Court  full 
power  to  Support  the  Government  here  by  Enacting  Such  Laws 
and  Ordinances  as  they  in  their  Great  wisdom  shall  be  best 
adapted  to  Subserve  the  true  Intrest  of  His  Majestys  Good 
Subjects  of  this  Province.  A  Complyance  with  Plis  Majestys 
Instructions  would  Inevitably  Clash  with  the  Power  of  making 
Laws,  and  Deprive  this  People  of  one  of  the  most  valuable 
Priviledges  held  &  Enjoyed  by  the  Charter. 

We  Therfore  Injoyne  you  To  oppose  any  Bill  for  the  Supply 
of  the  Treasuf,  that  may  be  brought  forward  in  the  Honourable 
House  of  Representatives  That  may  in  the  Least  Bare  upon  our 
natural  Rights  and  Charter  Priviledges  wliich  we  appraheud  the 
giving  in  to  the  Kings  Instructions  would  setainly  do. 

3'y-     Whereas    theie    has  bin    Granted  away  in  time  past  vast 


44  City  Document  No.  GQ. 

Tracts  of  Land  for  the  Setling  new  Townships  in  Auswar  to  the 
Prayer  of  Divers  Petitions  that  haue  bin  Prefered  and  too  Often 
Influences  by  Perticuler  Persons  who  by  their  Art  and  Cunning 
liaue  gained  to  themselves  Great  Advantage  therby  without 
being  without  Little  or  no  Charge  in  forwarding  &,  Setling  those 
Townships,  Where  by  Great  Hurt  and  Damage  has  bin  don  the 
Province. 

We  Therfore  in  an  Espetial  manner  Recomend  to  you,  That 
you  use  your  utmost  Endeavor  That  the  unapropriated  Lands 
Lying  within  the  Late  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  New  Plimouth 
and  Province  of  Main  be  [49.]  divided  to  and  among  the 
several  Towns  within  Tiiis  Province  in  the  most  Just  and  Equal 
Proportion  the  Court  may  agree  upon,  And  Subjected  to  Such 
Terms  of  Settlement  as  Shall  be  Ordered. 

The  giving  &  Granting  away  the  Publick  Lands  in  the  way  and 
Method  lately  Endeavored  after  being  only  to  Serve  Some  Perticuler 
Persons  and  give  Others  an  Oppertunity  to  Inritch  them  Selves  by 
Indirect  means,  We  therfore  give  it  in  Charge  to  you  That  you 
use  your  utmost  Influence,  That  no  Lands  be  Disposed  of  to 
Perticuler  Persons  But  to  the  Several  Towns  in  Equal  Proportion 
throughout  this  Province.  These  three  Articles  are  what  we 
thought  Propper  to  Recomend  to  you,  And  is  in  Order  to  Prevent 
any  Suggestions  that  may  be  Intimated,  that  in  Acting  on  any  of 
these  Heads  you  do  not  Act  Agreeable  to  the  mind  of  your  prin- 
cipals, or  to  Prevent  any  adjornments  or  Prorogations  to  Consult 
your  Principals  as  has  bin  done  Heretofore. 

The  foregoing  Instructions  were  Read  and  Voted  to  be  the 
Instructions  to  the  Representatives  now  Chosen. 

The  Report  of  the  Comittee  about  a  market  was  Read. 

Voted.  That  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  fryday  next  at  Eight 
of  the  Clock  in  the  fore  noon     And  then  mett  May  the  11'^ 

On  the  Petition  about  Paving  in  Merchant  Row. 

Voted.  That  it  be  left  with  the  Select  men  to  Comply  with  the 
Petition  Provided  the  abutters  do  their  Part  as  is  usual. 

On  the  Petition  about  a  Market. 

Voted  That  there  be  three  places  assigned  for  a  market. 

Voted.  That  in  the  Vacent  place  at  or  near  the  Town  Dock  be 
one  of  the  Places. 

Voted.  That  the  Open  place  near  the  old  North  meeting  House 
be  another  place  for  a  market. 

Voted.  That  the  Third  place  be  at  or  near  the  Great  Tree  at  the 
South  end  near  m"^  Eliots  House. 

And  the  Co  itte  with  the  Select  men  were  Desired  to  take  the 
Proposals  and  make  Such  additions  or  alteration^  as  they  Shall 
se  needfull  in  Order  to  haue  them  Printed  to  be  debated  at  the 
adjornment. 

Voted.  That  in  the  Afair  of  the  market.  Rumny  Marsh  be 
Excepted. 

John  Cloughs  Petition  was  Read  and  Granted  viz.  That  there  be 
three  pence  on  the  Pound  alowed  Him  for  Collecting  the  Rates 
Comited  to  His  Sone. 

Isaac  Peirce  His  Petition  was  Read  and  Voted  That  Six  pounds 


Boston  Town  Records,  1733.  45 

be  alowed  and  Paid  Him  for  Einging  the  Bell  at  the  old  north 
meeting  House  at  one  of  the  Clock  for  this  year. 

m''  Sam^  Watts  Read  &  Refered  to  the  adjorment. 

m'"  John  Procters  Petition  Read  and  Continued  to  the  adjornrnent. 

m"  Joseph  Marions  Proposals  Read. 

[50.]  Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjorned  to  May  the  28'^ 
day  at  Nine  of  the  Clock,  in  the  forenoon.  And  then  niett. 

On  the  Petition  about  the  water  course  in  Water  Street. 

Voted.  That  the  Select  men  be  Directed  and  Impowred  To  use 
the  most  Propper  and  Speedy  method  for  Removing  the  Obstruc- 
tion Refered  to  in  the  Petition  and  to  make  a  Computation  of  the 
Charge  of  Carrying  the  water  aboue  ground  and  Enquire  of  the 
abutters  what  part  of  the  Charge  they  are  willing  to  be  at  and 
Report  the  Same  at  the  next  Town  Meeting. 

On  the  Petition  of  m""  Jonathan  Williams  Referred  to  the  Select- 
men. 

Voted.  That  the  Report  of  the  Selectmen  be  accepted.  And  that 
the  Sum  of  Sixteen  Pounds  be  paid  Him  in  full  that  Service  , 

m''  Sam"  Boss  His  Petition  Relating  to  the  Towns  Land  under 
His  Improuement  with  the  Select  men  Report  thereon,  was  Read, 
and  Accepted,  which  was  That  they  Had  veiwed  the  Land  and  are 
of  Opinion  That  it  will  not  be  for  the  Intrest  of  the  Town  to  Sell: 
the  Same. 

m''  Joseph  Marions  Proposals  were  Read,  viz* 

The  first  article.  That  a  Comittee  be  Raised  by  the  Town  to 
Enquire  into  and  take  Cognizance  of  all  the  Towns  Rights  in  Land, 
and  on  the  Tresposes  thereon,  And  that  a  Plann  thereof  be  taken: 
by  a  Surveyer,  And  that  the  Same  be  made  of  Records  in  the  Town 
Clerks  office,  with  the  annual  Rent  or  Income  the  Same  at  Present 
yeilds.  That  So  the  Towns  may  be  made  Certain  of  their  Right* 
and  Income.     Voted. 

On  the  Second.  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  or  Such  Coiiiittee  or 
Coinittes  as  the  Town  from  time  to  time  appoint  to  Employ  Laborers, 
artificers  or  workmen  in  the  Service  of  the  Town,  or  in  Purchasing 
Grain  for  the  Town  to  Agree  with  Such  Persons  as  they  Shal 
Employ  or  deal  with  to  pay  them  in  money  as  has  bin  the  Custom 
Here  to  fore. 

On  the  Third  Article.  Voted.  That  upon  Reading  any  Petition, 
Remonstrance  or  Report,  The  time  of  Reading  the  Same,  and  what 
the  Town  Shall  be  pleased  to  Vote  thereon  whether  it  be  Disraist 
or  Otherwise. 

On  the  fourth  Article.  Voted.  That  as  many  disputes  and  Groat 
Inconvenience  hau  arised,  Touching  the  votes  of  the  Town  for 
want  of  Drawing  the  Votes,  and  Reading  the  Same  before  the 
Meeting  is  over, 

That  for  the  future,  all  votes  made  and  Past  by  the  Town,  be 
Cotriitted  to  writing,  while  the  Town  meeting  is  in  being,  and  Read 
to  the  Town,  That  truth  and  Certanty  thereof  may  be  made  known 
before  the  meeting  is  up. 

On  the  fifth  Article.  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  directed  and 
Impowred  to  make  application  to  the  General  Court  at  their  next 
Sessions  for  leave  to  bring  forward  a  writ  of  Review  in  Order  to 


46  City  Document  Xo.   i^Q. 

the  RecoveriDg  Possesiou  of  Land  and  warehouse  on  the  Dock  now 
in  the  Possession  of  Thomas  Palmer  Esq"'  in  Behalf  of  the  Heirs 
of  Eliakin  Hutchinson  Esq"". 

On  the  Sixth  Article,  was  Read  &  Rejected. 

[51.]  The  Proposals  for  Regulating  a  Market  in  this  Town, 
and  the  Coraittes  &  Select  men  Report  thereon  being  Read  and 
Debated,  It  was  Put  to  Vote  whether  the  Town  would  haue  a 
market  or  not,  and  That  the  Same  be  Determined  by  a  written 
Vote. 

Voted  in  the  affermative. 

The  Town  accordingly  Proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes,  And 
upon  Counting  the  Same  It  appeared  there  3l^4  yeas  and  339  nays. 

Then  the  meeting  was  Adjorned  until  four  of  the  Clock  in  the 
afternoon. 

The  Town  being  met.  The  Proposals  of  the  Comitte  and  the 
Select  men  for  Regulating  a  Market  were  Read  Seperatly  and 
Voted  as  follows. 

That  there  be  three  market  Places  viz' 

One  in  the  Vacant  place  at  Or  near  the  Town  Dock. 

One  at  the  Open  Space  before  and  about  the  old  north  meeting 
House  and  One  at  or  near  the  Great  Tree  at  the  South  end  Near 
m'  Eliots  House. 

And  That  whosoever  shall  or  Expose  to  Sale,  or  That  Buy  any 
flesh  Poultry  Eggs,  Butter,  Meal,  Chees,  Frute,  Hearbs,  Rootes 
or  Other  Provisions  in  any  Other  Place  or  Places  within  the  Said 
Town  Precinct  or  Liberty  thereof  then  the  Publick  places  aforesaid. 
(Except  Such  Provisions  as  are  hereafter  Excepted),  Upon  the 
Information  of  the  Clerk  of  the  market,  or  other  proof  thereof 
made,  Shall  be  fined  in  Proportion  to  the  offence  not  Exceeding 
twenty  Shillings,  as  Shall  be  Judged  b}'  the  Justice  before  whom 
the  Cause  Shall  Come. 

2'^  That  every  day  in  the  week  Except  the  Lords  Day  be  a 
market  day.  And  that  a  Bell  be  Rung  of  the  opening  of  the  market, 
which  Shall  be  at  the  Rising  of  the  Sun  thr6  the  whole  year,  and 
if  an}^  Person  or  Persons  Shall  Sell  or  put  to  open  Sale  in  the 
Said  Several  markets  any  manner  of  Provisions  or  other  Com- 
modities or  Shall  buy  any  of  them  before  the  Ringing  of  the 
Market  Bell,  such  Offender  or  Otfenders  being  thereof  Con- 
vict Shall  forfeit  and  Pa}'  a  fine  of  Tweut}^  Shillings  for 
Every  Such  Olfence  And  if  any  Person  or  Persons  Shall  Pre- 
sume, to  Buy  or  Cheapen,  Any  flesh,  Fowles,  Butter,  Eggs, 
meal,  Herbs,  Frute,  Rutes  or  other  Provisions,  or  victuals. 
Corning  to  the  Market  Either  by  the  Laud  or  water,  or  make  any 
Previous  Contract,  with  any  Seller,  or  Buy  the  Same  in  any  other 
Place,  then  in  one  of  the  Said  markets,  Shall  forfeit  and  Pay  for 
each  and  Every  Such  Offence  being  thereof  Convict  the  Sum  of 
Twenty  Shillings. 

3^y  That  all  Sorts  of  Fish  brcmght  b}^  water,  may  be  Sold  at  the 
wharfs  &  Places  usually  Improved  for  that  Purpose.  But  all  Fish 
Caught  in  the  Rivers,  Ponds  and  Brooks  and  brought  by  Land. 
Shall  be  brought  into  &  Sold  in  the  market. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1733.  47 

4'''  That  if  any  Person  or  Persons  bringing  any  Sort  of  Pro- 
visions out  of  the  Country  into  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Sale 
Either  by  Land  or  water,  after  the  Setting  up  of  the  Said  market, 
Shall  Sell  offer  or  put  to  Sale,  any  of  the  Same  in  any  Private 
Houseware  house  Inn,  Ale  House,  Tavern,  Lane,  Alley,  Street  or 
other  place  or  places  whatsoever,  within  the  Said  Town,  Precinct 
or  Libertys  thereof,  then  in  the  Market  places,  or  Some  of  them, 
Every  Person  so  Carrying,  or  offering  to  put  to  Sale,  or  to  Buy 
any  Provisions,  Shall  forfeit  Twenty  Shillings  for  ever}'  Such 
Offence.  Provided  always  that  no  Clause  or  P^xpression  herein 
Contained  Shall  Extend,  Intend  or  be  Judged  to  Restrain  or 
abridge  any  Butchers  from  Selling  their  Meat  in  their  Sliops  nor 
[53.]  such  who  Import  by  Sea  any  Grain,  Meat  or  Fish  Salted 
lip  in  Barrels  fiom  Selling  the  Same  on  Board  their  Vessels,  Nor  to 
the  Seller  of  Swine,  brought  into  the  Town  alive,  nor  Grain  brought 
by  Land,  nor  Aples,  Enions,  nor  turnops  by  the  Bushel,  or  greater 
quantities,  nor  milk  nor  Sider,  as  hath  heretofore  bin  the  Custome, 
But  it  Shall  and  may  be  Lawfull  for  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
and  others  to  purchase  the  aboue  Mentioned  Provisions  in  the 
usual  method  as  formcrl}'.  But  all  other  Provisions  brought  in  by 
Land  or  water  to  Sold  in  the  Market. 

5'^  That  if  any  Person  or  Persons  Shall  Engross  any  Sort  of 
Provisions  or  victuals  which  is  in  the  market  to  Retale  there  again, 
Espesially  Such  as  are  known  to  be  Hucksters,  Butchers  or  other 
people,  Geting  their  Living  by  Such  Provisions  or  victuals  as  they 
would  so  Engross,  Every  Such  Engrosser  Shall  forfeit  Twenty 
Shillings  for  every  Such  offence. 

6'y  That  no  Retailer,  Hucksters,  or  Persons  to  Sell  again,  Shall 
buy  any  flesh,  fish,  fowles.  Eggs,  Butter,  Cheese,  or  an}^  other 
Sort  of  Provisions  Saleable  in  the  Market,  untill  after  twelve  of  the 
Clock  at  Noon  on  pain  of  paying  a  fine  of  Twenty  Shillings. 

7'y  'I'hat  if  any  Person  or  Persons  Shall  Presume  to  Expose  to 
Sale  in  the  Said  markets  or  Either  of  them  unholsom  or  Stale 
victuals,  Blown  meat,  Leprous,  or  measly  Swine,  He  She  or  they 
So  offending  Shall  forfeit  and  pay  in  Proportion  to  the  Offence. 

S'^.  That  no  Cart  or  team  be  alowed  to  Stand  near  the  Entrance 
of  the  market  place  or  Places  but  Shall  Imediatly  Depart  upon 
order  of  the  Clerk  of  the  market  to  the  Driver  So  to  do  under  the 
Penalt}'  of  fine  Shillings  for  Refusal  or  Neglect  thereof. 

9'y  That  the  Informr,  who  Shall  Sue  for  and  Recover  any 
fines  fortitures  Sum  and  Sums  of  Money  arising  from  the  Breach 
of  any  of  those  orders  Shall  be  Entitled  to  Receive  out  of  the 
Treasury  One  half  of  the  Sum  So  Received 

lO'y  That  Propper  Persons  be  appointed  to  keep  Clean  the 
Markets,  and  to  be  under  tne  Direction  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market 
in  there  so  doing. 

ll'y  That  there  be  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  now  Chosen  for  each 
Market  Place  by  the  Town,  And  hereafter  at  their  annual  meeting 
in  March,  who  Shall  be  Impowred  to  Supervise  the  Said  Market, 
And  to  take  Effectual  Care  to  prevent  and  Suppress  all  frauds, 
abuses  and  Disorders  that  may  arise  therein,  And  Shall  Costantly 
attend  and  be  in  the  market  during  the  market  time,  i^nd  Shall 


48  City  Document  No.  66. 

haue  and  Receive  Such  Salary  for  their  Service  as  Shall  be  voted 
them  by  the  Town. 

12'y  That  if  any  Person  or  Persons  be  found  Trespassing 
against  any  of  the  Rules  and  order  before  mentioned.  The 
Clerks  of  the  Market  are  hereby  Required  and  Directed  to  Prosse- 
cute  Such  Offenders  or  Trespassers  before  [53.]  Justice  of  the 
Peace,  In  order  to  His  or  their  being  Prosecuted  against  and 
Punished  as  is  before  Provided. 

Voted.  That  Cap'  James  Watson  be  Clerk  of  the  Market  for 
the  vacant  place  at  or  near  the  Town  Dock  or  wharf. 

Voted.  That  Cap'  John  Steel  be  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  Open 
Space  before  and  about  the  old  north  Meeting-House. 

Voted  That  m""  Francis  Wiloughby  be  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  for 
the  Space  at  or  near  the  Great  tree  at  the  South  end  b}'  m'' 
Eliots. 

Voted.  That  John  Colman  Esqr  Jocob  Wendal  Esq"^  m""  Nathan'^ 
Cunningham,  m""  Daniel  Goff,  with  the  three  Clerks  of  the  market 
now  Chosen  be  a  Committee,  to  make  a  Computation  of  the  Cost 
and  Charges  of  Erecting  the  Several  markets,  and  to  Receive  any 
motion  from  the  Inhabitants  of  Hireing  or  Leasing  any  of  the  Said 
places,  Proposed  to  Erect  a  market  in  And  make  Report  to  the 
Town  at  their  next  meeting. 

m""  John  Procter  Petition  for  an  addition  to  His  Salary  at  the 
North  writing  School. 

Read  and  Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  P''  Annum  be 
added  to  His  Salary  to  begin  from  this  Day. 

m''  Sam^^  Watts  Petition  for  Remitting  Twenty  Pounds  due  for 
the  Hire  of  the  Ferry. 

Voted.     That  the  Same  be  Remitted. 

Voted.  That  the  Select  men  be  Desired  to  Effect  the  Erecting 
of  an  OfHce  in  the  Town  House  for  the  Town  Clerk  to  Lodg  the 
Town  Books  &  papers  in. 

The  Request  of  Sundry  Persons  belonging  to  the  District  of 
Rumny  Marsh,  for  an  addition  to  their  Schoolmasters  Salary,  Con- 
tinued to  the  next  meeting. 

Voted.  That  the  Committee  to  be  Chosen  for  Enquiring  into 
the  Towns  Rights  be  Continued  to  the  Next  Town  meetin. 

The  motion  Respecting  a  Drain  for  the  Toombs  in  the  South 
Burying  Place,  Refered  to  the  Next  Meeting.  The  meeting  Dis- 
mist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Fi'ee  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  being  Regurly  Assembled  in  a 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  on  Tuesday  June  the 
Twenty  Sixth  1733  — 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq'"  Chose  moderator  for  this  meeting. 

A  motion  made  by  m""  Joseph  Marion  about  Everill  Lease. 

A  motion  made  to  Chose  A  Coinitte  to  Treat  with  m''  Palmer  and 
m'  Gibbs  Relating  to  their  Clames  in  Dock  Squir. 

About  the  Report  of  the  Committe  about  a  Market. 

The  Report  was  Read  and  the  Question  whether  it  Should  be 
Determined  by  a  Written  Vote.     Voted  in  the  affermative. 


Boston  ToTVT^f  Eecoeds,  1733.  49 

The  Town  accordingly  Proceded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  and 
upon  Counting  the  Same  ther  apeared  to  be  805  Voters. 

yeas  390  and  415  nays 

[54.]  Voted  The  Coiuittees  Report  not  being  accepted,  that 
they  Proceed  no  further  upon  the  Consideration  thereof  at  this 
Meeting,  But  Refer  it  to  the  next  General  Meting  in  March  next. 

Voted,  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  fiue  of  the  Clock  after  noon 
&  Being  met 

On  the  Report  of  the  Select  men  about  the  Water  Course  in 
Water  Street. 

The  Report  was  Read  which  was 

Pursuant  to  the  vote  of  the  Town  at  their  meeting  the  ninth  of 
May  Last,  Relating  to  the  obstruction  in  water  Street,  we  have 
viewed  the  Same  and  are  of  Opinion  That  the  most  Effectual  way 
to  Remove  it  would  be  by  Carrying  the  water  into  the  Dock  by  m"^ 
Alfords  warehouse,  The  charg  of  which  will  amount  to  about  four 
Hundred  Pounds. 

We  haue  also  Inquired  of  the  abbuttars  and  find  they  are  willing 
to  pay  Two  Hundred  Pounds  thereof.  Boston,  June  18""  1733 
William  Down,  Edward  Bromfield  Jun"^  Jona°  Armitage,  David 
Colsou,  John  Jeffries,  Joshua  Winslow,  Nathan"  Saltonstall  — 
Select  men. 

Voted  not  Accepted. 

Voted.  To  Chuse  a  Coiuitte  to  take  Effectual  Care  to  open  the 
antient  natural  water-course  in  water  Street. 

Voted.  That  a  Coihitte  be  Chosen  of  fiue  Persons  for  Said 
work. 

m''  Andrew  Tyler,  Samuel  Wellis  Esq'  m''  Nathan"  Cunningham, 
Cap*  James  Goold,  and  m""  Joseph  Marion,  be  the  Committee. 

Voted.  That  the  Coini^tee  Raised  Some  time  Since  to  Consider 
the  State  of  the  Old  Buildings  in  Dock  Squair  be  Desired  and 
Directed  to  proceed  to  take  the  Deposition  of  Persons  In  Perpet- 
uam  Rei  Memoriam  Relating  to  the  Towns  Rights  in  the  Dock. 

Whereas  James  Oglethorp  Esq''  who  is  Speedily  Expected  hear, 
hath  at  Sundry  times  in  the  Parlament  of  Great  Britain  Expressed 
a  hearty  care  and  Concern  for  the  Good  of  the  Provinces  &  Colo- 
uys  on  this  Continent  and  a  Special  manner  moved  Several  things 
in  Support  of  the  true  Intrest  of  this  Government  and  the  Estab- 
lishing the  Trade  and  Business  thereof. 

Voted.  That  the  Representatives  of  this  Town,  a  Considerable 
Branch  or  member  of  this  Province,  together  with  the  Select  men 
when  that  Honourable  Gentle  man  Shall  arive  here,  do  in  the  name 
and  behalf  of  this  Town  Return  Him  their  Thanks,  and  let  Him 
know  how  kiudl}'  they  take  His  Good  Office,  and  That  his  free  and 
generous  Actions  Shall  haue  a  lasting  Remembrance  and  bid  Him 
a  Hearty  welcome  here. 

[55.]  Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  of  fiue  Persons  to 
Enquire  into  all  the  Rights  in  Lands. 

m"'  Joseph  Marion,  m""  John  Stun! ford,  John  Colman  Esq""  m'' 
William  Stoddard  and  m""  Jeffry  Bedgood.  Voted  to  be  the  Com- 
mittee 

Voted.     That  ten  pounds  P""  Annum  be  added  to  the  Salary  of 


50  City  Document  No.  Q6. 

m'"  Belcher  Hancock  School  master  at  Eumny  marsh,  to  begin  the 
Twent}'  lirst  day  of  march  last  past. 

about  the  motion  for  the  Drain  from  the  Toombs  in  the  South 
Burying  Place. 

Voted,  to  be  Refered  to  the  next  Town  meeting  and  in  the 
mean  time  the  Select  men  make  a  Computation  of  the  Charg  of 
Carrying  the  water  into  the  Common  Shore. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Free  holders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  being  Regulerly  Assembled  in  a 
Publick  Town  meeting  at  the  Town  House  Wednesday  August  the 
first    1733. 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq'"  was  Chosen  moderator  for  this  meeting 

upon  a  motion  made 

That  whenever  the  Town  be  warned  for  a  Towns  meeting  By 
order  of  the  Select  men  That  the  Constables  haue  Printed  tickets 
provided  for  them  to  warn  the  Inhabitant  by.  Voted  in  the  afferma- 
tive.  unanimously. 

m""  nathaniel  Cunningham  made  a  motion.  That  the  Town  would 
alow  Som  thing  toward  the  Charge  of  a  Private  watch  in  the  Town 
at  the  Dock.     Left  for  Consideration. 

The  Petition  of  John  Metcalf  of  Dedhara  Joshua  Mors  of  Med- 
field  and  others  for  Erecting  a  new  County  out  of  the  Countys  of 
Suffolk  and  Midlesex 

Voted.  That  they  will  Chuse  a  Committee  of  fine  Persons  to  take 
that  Affair  into  Consideration,  and  Prepare  Reasons  to  Lay  before 
the  General  Court  why  the  Prayer  Should  not  be  granted.  And  lay 
them  before  the  Town  at' the  adjorment  of  this  meeting. 

Voted.  That  Edward  Hutchinson,  Anthony  Stoddard,  Thomas 
fitch,  Samuel  Sewall,  jun',  and  Jacob  Wendell  Esq"  be  the  Said 
Committee. 

Voted.  That  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  Fryday  August  the 
tenth  Currant  at  fine  of  the  Clock  afternoon. 

The  Town  being  met  August  the  Tenth  According  the  adjornment. 
The  Comitte  made  their  Report  which  is  as  follows  viz'. 

We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  a  Coihittee  by  the  Town 
of  Boston  at  their  meeting  on  the  first  Instant,  to  prepare  Some 
Reasons,  to  be  Offred  to  the  Town  in  order  to  be  layed  before  the 
General  Court,  why  the  Petition  of  John  Metcalfe  of  Dedham  Esq"" 
Joshua  Morse  of  Medfield  and  others,  for  Erecting  a  new  County 
out  of  the  Countys  of  Suffolk  &  Midlesex  Should  not  be  granted, 
having  and  Considered  that  afair. 

Humbly  Offer  our  Reasons  against  the  Same. 

[56«]  1.  That  there  haue  bin  fine  of  the  most  Remote  Towns 
belonging  to  this  County,  viz'  Mendon,  Woodstock,  Sutton,  Oxford 
&  Uxbridge  lately  taken  off  from  this  County,  towards  Erecting 
another,  by  which  means  the  County  is  so  Reduced,  that  the  In- 
habitants of  even  the  most  Remote  Towns  remaining  in  this 
County  haue  not  far  to  travel  to  their  Count}'  Town,  whereas  in 
England,  their  Countys  are  vastly  mor  populous,  and  many  of  them 
of  much  Larger  extent,  And  great  Numbers  of  the  People  in  divers 
of  the  Countys  are  at  a  greater  distance  from  their  Sheir  Town  that 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1733.  51 

any  of  the  People  in  the  County  of  Suffolk  are,  and  yet  they  haue 
Contentedly  Remained  So  ever  Since  the  Reign  of  King  Alfred,  and 
if  it  had  bin  found  inconvenient  or  detrimental  to  the  people,  that 
live  in  those  large  Countys,  undoubtedly  from  that  time  to  this, 
they  would  haue  moved  to  the  Parliament  for  Releif  &  endeavors 
would  haue  bin  us'd  To  Lesson  them,  which  we  never  heard  of. 

2.  That  there  is  only  the  Town  of  Dedham  of  the  Several  Towns 
desiring  to  be  Set  off  that  sends  an}-  Petty  Jurors  to  the  Court  of 
Common  Pleas  or  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  And  Some  of 
them  Send  no  petty  Jurors  to  the  Superior  Court  nor  Grand  Jurors 
to  either  Court  which  manifests  that  their  Attendance  &c.  on  the 
Courts  can't  be  so  buthensome  as  they  would  Insinuate  especially 
considering  there  has  lately  bin  made  a  Considerable  augmentation 
of  the  Jurors  Fees  by  the  Legislature 

b.  That  in  Case  the  Towns  Petitiond  for  Should  be  taken  Off, 
from  the  Count}'  of  Suffolk,  yet  it  will  be  no  ease  to  them  in  Such 
Cases  wherein  the  Plantifs  dwell  in  Said  County,  for  they  must 
then  give  their  attendance  at  the  Several  Courts,  as  they  now  do. 

4.  That  there  being  frequently  Causes  depending  between  His 
Majestys  good  Subjects  in  Boston,  and  the  adjacent  Towns,  con- 
serniug  titles  of  Land  and  other  matters,  and  many  gentlemen  ia 
the  Country  Towns  being  ver}'  well  Qualified,  may  be  very  Ser- 
vesable  as  Jurors  in  Such  Cases  &c.  of  which  having  had  long 
Experience,  we  cau  not  Esteem  it  Reasonable  that  this  County 
Should  be  Debarr'd  any  further  of  the  good  Services  of  its  Country 
neighbours  within  the  County  nor  to  act  so  disagreeable  to  the  long 
Experienced,  well  Regulated  and  Established  practice  in  the  South 
part  of  Great  Britain  So  to  Lesson  the  County. 

5.  That  to  Multiply  Countys  is  not  for  the  Publick  good,  for 
instead  of  easing  them  that  Petition  to  be  Set  off  it  will  Increase 
their  Charges  for  they  must  build  a  Court  House  and  A  Prison  &c. 
and  must  of  themselves  furnish  Jurors,  for  the  Superior  and 
Inferior  Courts  and  Gene'.'  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  and  if  they 
Should  be  Set  Off  it  will  tend  much  to  multiply  Law  Sutes  among 
them,  and  other  mischifs  and  Inconveniences  would  increase, 
besides  the  Multiplying  of  Countys  maj'  prove  Injurious  to  the 
Publick,  by  the  Governments,  at  Home  being  induced  [57.]  to 
think  we  are  bigger  and  more  Considerable  then  we  realy  are,  for 
we  have  Eleven  County's  in  this  Province  already,  whereas  in  Eng- 
land, they  haue  but  Forty  County's,  although  they  they  are  Com- 
puted to  be  Fifty  times  bigger  then  this  Province. 

To  Conclude  if  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  should  be  granted,  it 
would  be  a  bad  president,  for  with  the  Same  Semblance  of  Reason 
other  County's  may  Seek  to  be  divided,  and  by  this  Method,  the 
Province  would  be  Subdived  into  Petty  Countys,  whereby  the 
Charges  and  inconveniences  of  the  People,  would  be  vastly  in- 
creaced.  Wherefore  humbly  hope  our  Fathers  in  the  Government, 
will  Se  just  cause  to  Continue  the  County  of  Suffolk  as  it  now  is, 
and  to  dismiss  Said  Petition  which  to  us  Seems  unreasonable 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted  by  Tiio^  Fitch 

Edward  Hutchinson 

Boston  August  10"*  1733  :  Anthony  Stoddard 

Jacob  Wendell 


52  City  Document  No,  66. 

Which  Return  was  Several  times  Read  and  Debated,  Then  read 
Article  b\'  Article  and  Severally  Voted  in  the  Affermative  to  be 
Accepted. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  Regurly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Fryday  Septem''  the 
Twenty  first :  1733 

After  prayer  by  the  Rev'  m''  William  Cooper 

Edward  Hutchinson  Esq""  was  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 
by  the  majoritor  of  Voters  : 

A  Motion  made  by  m''  Joseph  Marion  about  chusing  Colectors 
of  Taxes 

A  Motion  of  the  Selectmen  Relating  a  Grainerj^  at  the  North- 
end. 

The  Question  was  Putt :  Whether  or  no  the  Representatives  of 
this  Town  in  the  Affair  of  the  Supply  of  the  Treasury  be  left  to 
use  their  best  Judgment  and  Discression  notwithstanding  the  In- 
struction given  them  in  May  Last 

Voted  That  it  Should  be  desided  by  a  Written  vote,  And  that 
they  that  were  for  it  Should  write  yea,  And  they  against  it  ^slj. 

The  Voters  were  240  :  The  yeas' were  153,  Nays  were  87  : 

On  A  Motion  Made  by  m''  Nathaniel  Cunningham  august  the 
first 

That  the  Town  would  alow  Something  toward  the  Charge  of  A 
watch  at  the  Dock  called  the  Merchants  Watch  which  has  hitherto 
bin  Supported  by  A  Number  of  Merchants. 

Voted  that  Fifty  Pounds  P""  Annum  be  alow'cl  and  paid  out  of 
the  Town  Treasury  toward  the  Support  of  Said  Watch,  Provided 
it  be  Regulated  as  the  Law  directs,  And  the  Merchants  Continu- 
ing to  bear  the  Remaing  part  of  the  Charge 

[SSo]  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  make  applica- 
tion to  the  General  Court  That  the  Town  may  haue  Libert}^  for 
the  year  Currant  to  Chuse  Collectors  of  the  Taxes  notwithstanding 
the  time  Limited  by  the  Law  Relating  to  the  Choice  of  Such 
Officers  be  Elapced. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  Regurly  Assembled  in  a  Pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  On  Tuesda}^  October  the 
Sixteenth:  1733  — 

Edward  Hutchinson  Esq""  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

A  Motion  Made  by  the  Town  Treasurer  About  taking  Road 
Island  Bills  of  the  New  Emition  might  be  Considred 

Voted  to  Chuse  three  Collectors  for  the  Town  of  Boston,  One 
of  which  Shall  be  for  the  District  of  Rumuy  Marsh 

Voted  to  Alow  the  Collectors  Nine  pence  on  the  Pound  for  Col- 
lecting the  Taxes  Provided  they  giue  Sufficient  Security  to  the 
Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen 

Voted  to  Chuse  the  Collectors  by  Written  Votes,  And  that  they 
be  Chosen  by  the  Major  part  of  the  Voters  : 

The  voters  were  126 


Boston  Town  Records,  1733.  53 

Cap*  Daniel  Goff  was  Chosen  b}-  121  votes  &  m''  Nathan^^  Gard- 
ner was  Chosen  by  114  votes 

Voted  to  Chuse  the  Collector  for  Rumny  Marsh  by  A  Handy 
vote 

m'"  Jacob  Chamberlain,  now  Constable  was  Chosen  Collector  for 
the  District  of  Rumny  Marsh  and  to  haue  the  Same  Alowance  for 
Collecting  as  the  Other  Collectors,  He  giving  the  like  Security 

About  A  Grainery  at  the  North  End 

Voted  That  A  House  be  Erected  on  the  Towns  Land  at  the 
Northend  of  Boston  for  a  grainery  or  Meal  House,  Not  to  Exceed 
the  Cost  of  One  Hundred  Founds  — 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitant  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  and  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Wednesday  October 
the  Thirty  first.  1733 

Sam'^  Welles  Esq''  Chose  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

Voted  to  Proceed  to  Chuse  Collectors. 

Voted  To  Chuse  three  persons  for  Collectors  for  the  Town  of 
Boston  Seperate  from  the  District  of  Rumny  Marsh 

Voted  That  the  Town  will  not  Come  to  any  further  Consideration 
of  the  Alowance  to  the  Collectors,  But  that  the  Alowance  be  nine 
pence  on  the  Pound,  Agreeable  to  the  Vote  of  the  Sixteenth 
Instant,  The  Collectors  giving  Sufficient  Security  to  the  Satis- 
faction of  the  Selectmen 

Voted  To  Chuse  Collectors  by  A  Written  vote  and  that  they 
be  Chose  who  haue  the  highest  votes  —  Nathan^^  Barber,  John 
Staniford,  Jacob  Sheaf,  were  chosen  collectors  by  the  Highest 
votes,  — 

Voted  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  Refuse  any  of 
the  Road  Island  Bills  of  the  New  Emition  in  Publick  payment  — 

Voted  that  the  meeting  be  Dismist  — 

[59.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  Duly  Qualified  and  Regurly  Assembled  in 
a  Publick  Town  Meeting  At  the  Town  House  on  Wednesday  Nov'' 
the  Twenty  first  1733  — 

John  Jeffries  Esq''  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

Voted  To  Chuse  another  Collector  in  the  Room  of  John  Stam- 
ford 

Daniel  Pecker  was  Chosen  Collector 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitant  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  Regulerly  Assembled  in  A 
Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  House  Fry  day  the  first:  1733 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting 

Upon  the  Afair  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  — 

Voted  That  it  be  Rcfered  to  the  Town  Meeting  in  March  Next 
and  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  Desired  to  giue  their  Opin- 
ion therein  to  the  Town 

Voted  To  Chuse  A  Committee  of  Five  Persons  To  Consider  the 
Memorial  of  Henery  Gibbs  About  the  Out  Wharfs,  And  Report  to 


54  City  Document  No.  66. 

the  Town  at  their  Meetuig  in  March  next :  what  is  Proper  to  be 
don  therein. 

Mess"  Joseph  Marion 

Jeffry  Bedgood 

Robert  Rand 

Sam"  Adams  Esq' 

William  Stoddard 


Said  Committee  — 


were  Chosen  to  be  the 


At  a  Meetin  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  Duly  Qualified  and  Regurly  Assembled  in  A  Publick  Town 
meeting  at  the  Town  House  Fryday  February  the  22"'  1733. 

The  Hono'''^  Thomas  Fitch  Esq''  was  Chose  Moderator  for  this 
Meeting 

Voted  Nemine  Contradicente 

That  the  Hono*^'^  Thomas  Fitch  Esq%  with  the  Selectmen  be  de- 
sired Forthwith  To  Represent  the  Decaying  Circomstances  of  the 
Fortifications  of  this  Town,  To  the  Cap'  General,  And  Desire  He 
would  please  to  Lay  the  Same  before  the  General  Court,  In  Order 
to  Obtain  A  Sutable  Alowance  to  put  the  Town  into  a  Proper 
Posture  of  Defence  It  being  the  Key  of  the  Province  — 

[60.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified,  being  Regularly  Assembled 
at  a  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  Monday,  March 
the  11«'  1733. 

After  Prayer,  by  the  R^v.  Mr.  Thomas  Foxcroft. 

The  Hon'''''  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  this 
Meeting. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Public  Meeting 
House  in  Brattle  Street ;  The  Town  making  good  all  damage  that 
Shall  be  done  it  by  reason  of  the  Meeting  being  there. 

Samuel  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk,  and  Sworn  b^''  E. 
Cooke  Moderator. 

Sundry  Laws  against  Immorality  &c.  Read. 

Sundry  Petitions  Read,  and  Motions  made.     Viz' 

Benjamin  Fisher. 

Peter  Briton. 

The  Engine  Men. 

William  Rand. 

Belcher  Hancock. 

Bartholomew  Sutton. 

Proposals  for  lessening  the  Charge  of  the  Town. 

Memorial  of  Henry  Gibbs. 

Report  of  the  Committee  ab'  the  Towns  Rights. 

Report  of  the  Committee  ab'  the  Out  Wharves. 

A  Motion  made  by  Jonathan  Williams  relating  to  the  Trees  in 
the  Common. 

The  said  William's  Motion  relating  to  Town  Bulls. 

Another  Motion  of  said  Williams  relating  to  the  Marishes  in  the 
Common. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1733.  55 

A  Motion  of  the  Select  Men,  for  the  Town  to  come  into  some 
Methods  to  prevent  frauds  in  the  weight  of  Hay. 

[61.]  The  Select  Men  Inform'd  the  Town,  that  the  Rev'  Mr. 
Williams  intends  shortly  to  leave  the  South  Grammar  School. 

A  Motion  of  Mr.  Joseph  Marion's  That  the  Town  would  Peti- 
tion the  General  Court,  for  leave  to  bring  forward  a  Writ  of 
Review  against  Thomas  Palmer  Esq""  for  possession  of  a  Warehouse 
on  the  Doclv. 

A  Motion  of  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  relating  to  the  Fines  of  the 
Militia  ;  That  the  Town  would  give  Instructions  to  their  Represen- 
tatives, concerning  that  affair. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  of  the  Clock, 
Afternoon. 

And  being  Assembled  accordingly. 

Voted,  To  choose  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  distinct  from  the 
Select  Men. 

Voted,  To  Choose  Assessors,  distinct  from  the  Select  Men. 
Voted,  To  Choose  Seven  Select  Men. 

The  Hon''"^  John  Jeffries  Esq" 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  Jun"" 
Capt.  William  Downe. 
Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage. 
Mr.  David  Colson. 
Mr.  Joshua  Winslow. 
Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth. 
Were  Chosen  Select  Men,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Voted,  To  Choose  Nine  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 
[63.]  John  Ruck  Esq"^ 

Jacob  Wendell  P^sq' 
Henry  Dering  Esq"^ 
Mr.  Jonathan  Jackson. 
Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood. 
Mr.  John  Hunt. 
Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood 
Mr.  John  Hill. 
William  Tyler  Esq^ 
Were  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

Voted,  That  the  Affair  of  the  Market ;  and  of  the  Fortifications 
come  under  Consideration,  Tomorrow  at  10  of  the  Clock  in  the 
Forenoon. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  until  Tomorrow  Morn- 
ing, at  8.  of  the  Clock. 


And  being  Assembled, 

Officers  for  Rumuey  Marsh,  were  Chosen,  Viz' 

Mess"  Joseph  Whittemore    -----     Constable.  Sworn 

HughFh^d- Fence  Viewer.. 

Stephen  Kent     -------      ) 

John  Tevvksbery     ------      t 

TA     •  1  rr.  <.*.!  -1  "^  i         Hog-reves. 

Daniel  Tutthil )  ^ 

John  Hasey  -    -  _     .     -  Sealer  of  Leather 


56 


City  Document   No.  Q6. 


y  Were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather. 


Mess"  James  Dawson. 
John  Allen 
Thomas  Inches. 
Josiah  Carter. 
Joshua  Dodge. 

Votes  for  County  Treasurer  were  number'd  and  Sealed  up  by 
William  Torrey  Constable,  by  him  to  be  kept  and  returned  unto  the 
Clerk  of  the  Sessions. 

[63.]     Mess"  Joseph  Russell.  ~] 

Hopestil  Foster.  I 

Benjamin  Russel.  | 

Roger  Stainer.  ^Were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers. 

Joseph  Rix   -  Excus'd 

Samuel  Cunnabel 

"William  Eustis. 


Mess"  Richard  True  -  -  Paid. 

Jonathan  Neal  -  -  -  Sworn. 

Joseph  Bradford  -  -  Excus'd. 

John  Staniford  -  -  -  Excus'd. 

Thomas  Boucher  -  -  Paid. 

Rowland  Houghton  -  -  Paid. 

Thomas  Hill      -  -  -  Paid. 

William  Thomas  _  -  -         - 

Mess"  John  Fitch. 
David  Cutler. 
David  Mason. 
Hopestil  Foster. 
John  Taylor. 
John  "Wheelright. 
William  Downes. 
Benjamin  Edwards. 
Nathanael  Belknap, 
Benjamin  Bronsdon 
Nathaniel  Gardner. 
John  Carnes. 
Joseph  Turell. 
Philip  Bongarden. 


Were  Chosen 
'  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


Were  Chosen  Scavengers. 


Mess"^'  Thomas  Trott  -  Sworn. 

Ezekiel  Carver   -         -  Sworn. 

John  Little          -         -  Paid. 

John  Simpson    -         -  Sworn .  J 

[64.]     Mess"  Samuel  Clark,  Jun""     -     Sworn. 
Edward  Moberly. 

Edward  Richards  -         -         -     Sworn. 
William  Paine. 
Francis  More. 
John  Endicot. 


Were  Chosen  Hogreves. 


Were  Chosen 

Viewers  of 
Shingles,   &c. 


Voted,  To  Choose  Collectors,  to  gather  the  Taxes  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 
Voted.  To  Choose  Twelve  Constables,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Boston  To^^^s^  Eecords,  1733. 


57 


Mess"  James  Pitts   - 

-     Paid.  •      ^ 

William  Keneday 

-     Paid. 

Pyam  Blower   -         -         - 

-     Excus'd. 

George  Lineham 

-     Excus'd. 

Balthazar  Bayard 

-     Sworn. 

Were  Chosen 
Constables. 

John  Steel         _         _         . 

-     Paid. 

Thomas  Gnnter 

-     Paid. 

AVilliam  Bulfinch       - 

-     Paid. 

Henry  Limbre}' 

-     Paid. 

Thomas  Oxnard 

-     Paid. 

Voted,  To  Choose  a  Committee  to  think  of,  and  assign,  Three 
suitable  Places  for  Erecting  Markets,  the  Cost  and  Charge  thereof, 
and  how  to  be  defrayed ;  and  make  Eeport  at  the  adjournment 
of  this  Meeting. 

The  Town  accordingly  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  in 
Wx'iting,  and  on  numbering  them  'twas  found,  there  were  916 
Voters.     Of  which  517  were  Yeas,  and  399  Nays. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  the  Said  Committee. 

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five. 

[65.]     Voted,  That  the  Hon'''^  Thomas  Fitch  Esq' 
Edward  Hutchinson  Esq"^ 
Thomas  Palmer  Esq""  and 
Jacob  Wendell  Esq''  with 
Mr.  Nathanael  Cunningham, 
be  the  Committee. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  aforesaid  make  their  Eeport  on 
Wednesday  next  the  20th,  instant  at  Three  of  the  Cock  post 
meridiem 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Affair  of  the  Fortifications 
be  adjourned,  until  Four  of  the  Clock  this  Afternoon. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  of  the  Clock 
afternoon. 

And  being  Assembled  accordingly. 

The  Hon**'*  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq''  was  unanimously  Chosen 
Town  Treasurer,  for  the  j'ear  ensuing. 

Voted,  To  Choose  a  Committee  of  Seven  Persons,  to  View,  and 
report  their  Opinion  of  the  most  Convenient  Places  in  this  Town, 
for  Fortifications. 

James  Bowdoin  Esq"" 
Thomas  Fitch  Esq"^ 
Mr.  Thomas  Lee. 
Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq' 
Jacob  Wendell  Esq'' 
Capt.  John  Henderson,  and 
Edward  Hutchinson  Esqy 
Were  accordingly  Chosen  to  be  this  Committee. 
Voted,  That  Capt.  Thomas  Durell  be  Desired  to  meet,  advise, 
and  consult  with  the  aforsaid  Committee,  upon  the  said  Affair : 
And   that   the   Committee,   be     [66.]     Desired    to   make    their 
Report,  if  possible,  To-Morrow  at  Four  of  the  Clock,  Afternoon. 
Voted,  To  Choose  Seven  Assessors. 


58  City  Document  No.  66. 

Mess"  Jonas  Clark. 
Richard   Buckley. 
James  Watson. 
Daniel  Loring. 
Peter  Thomas. 
Mathew  Adams,  and 

Jacob  Holyoke Exeus'd 

Were  Chosen  Assessors,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Upon  the  Petition  of  Belcher  Hancock, 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Ten  Pounds  be  added  to  the  Salary 
of  the  Schoolmaster  in  Rumny  Marsh. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  until  Tomorrow  Morning, 
at  Eight  of  the  Clock. 

Being  accordingly  Assembled. 

Mess"  Stephen  Greenleaf  ------     Sworn. 

Nathanael  Thwing --.     Sworn. 

Thomas  Stoddard Sworn. 

Abijah  Adams Sworn. 

John  Colman  Jun''  and  -------     Paid. 

Joseph  Snelling Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 
A  Motion  was  made  by  the  Select  Men  for  the  Choice  of  Tything 
Men. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  the  Engine  Men, 

Voted,  That  they  may  be  Excused  from  all  Town  OfBces,  for 
the  Year  currant. 

[67.]  Upon  a  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Consider 
the  Memorial  of  Henry  Gibbs,  about  the  Out- Wharves, 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted.  , 

The  Memorial  of  Henry  Gibbs,  which  was  read  at  the  Opening 
of  this  Meeting,  Read  again,  and  Dismist. 
Upon' the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Fisher, 

Voted,  That  it  be  refered  to  the  Select  Men,  to  Consider  the 
Subject  Matter  thereof,  and  make  Report  thereon,  at  the  Next 
Town  Meeting. 

Bartholomew  Sutton's  Petition,  was  Read,  and  debated,  and 
Voted,  That  it  be  Dismist 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams,  relating  to  the 
Trees  planted  in  the  Common. 

Voted,  That  the  Row  of  Trees  already  Planted  in  the  Com- 
mon, be  taken  care  of  by  the  Select  Men  from  time  to  time  ;  And 
that  another  Row  of  Trees  be  Planted  there,  at  a  suitable  dis- 
tance. 

Voted,  That  a  Row  of  Posts,  with  a  Rail  on  the  top  of  them  be 
set  up,  and  continued  thro'  the  Common  from  the  Burying  Place  to 
Col"  Fitch's  fence  ;  Leaving  Openings  at  the  several  Streets  and 
Lanes. 

And,  in  Order  to  prevent  further  waste  of  the  Trees  in  the 
Common, 

Voted,  That  there  be  allow'd  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury,  a 
Reward  of  Forty  Shillings  to  any  Person  that  shall  inform  against, 
and  convict  any   Person  or   Persons  [68.]  of    Cutting  down  or 


BosTOx  TowN^  Records,  1733.  59 

despoiling  any  of  the  Trees  already  planted  in  the  Common,  or 
that  may  be  hereafter  planted  there.     Also, 

Voted,  That  the  same  Reward  be  given  to  those  AYho  shall 
convict  any  person  or  persons  of  breaking  any  of  the  Posts  and 
Rails  that  shall  be  put  up  in  the  Common  as  aforesaid. 

Upon  a  Motion  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  relating  to  the  Marish 
at  the  bottom  of  the  Common, 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham 
Mess"  James  Allen,  and 
Robert  Rand  — 
be  a  Committee  to  make  an  Estimate  of  the  Cost  and  Charge  of 
the    Effectual  Securing   the  same,  And    Report  the  same   at  the 
adjournment  of  this  Meeting  the  20th,  instant. 

At  a  Motion  of  the  Select  Men,  Viz*  That  Three  Shillings  p 
Head  on  the  Cows  going  on  the  Common  is  not  Sufficient  to 
maintain  the  Bulls. 

Voted,  That  Two  Shillings  p  head  be  added  for  the  some  purpose. 

Mess"  Peter  Oliver Paid. 

Adam  Winthrop  Jun'' Paid. 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun-" Paid. 

John  Davenport -     Paid. 

Habijah  Savage  Jun"" Excus'd. 

Simeon  Stoddard,  and,     -------     Paid. 

William  Williams    -     -     - Paid. 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 
[69.]     Capt.  Daniel  Pecker  -------     Sworn. 

Mess"  Jacob  Sheaf e,  and Refus'd. 

Nathanael  Barber Sworn. 

.  Were  Chosen  to  be  Collectors  of  the  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Voted,  That   Nine  pence   upon   the   Pound   be  allow'd  to  the 
Collectors,  for  Gathering  the  Taxes,  They  giving  Sufficient  Security 
to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  "William  Rand. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  directed  and  impower'd  to 
Release  and  Quit  Claim  to  the  said  William  Rand  and  his  heirs, 
the  Fee  of  the  Land  he  lately  purchased  of  Isaac  Gamberto,  Upon 
his  paying  the  Sum  of  Six  Pounds  to  the  Town  Treasurer.  AVhich 
Land  was  Subjected  to  pay  Four  Shillings  p  Annum  to  the  Town, 
as  a  Quit  Rent,  forever. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  Presented  to  Capt. 
Thomas  Durell  for  His  Advice  and  Assistance  aforded  to  the 
Committee,  in  the  affair  of  the  Fortifications. 

Mess"  Samuel  Jackson Sworn. 

Benjamin  Wolcot Sworn. 

Christopher  Marshal Sworn. 

William   Ware     - Excus'd. 

Joseph  Jackson,  and -     Sworn. 

John  West Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Constable^. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Nathanael  Williams  having  inform'd  the  Select 
Men,  That  he  intends  in  a  short  time  to  resign  his  Care  of  the 
South  Grammar  School. 


60  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

[70.]  Voted,  That  the  Select  Meu  be  desired  to  iDquire  into 
the  Qualifications  of  a  suitable  Person,  or  Persons,  Who  may  take 
the  Charge  of  the  Said  School,  And  Report  to  the  Town  at  their 
)iext  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  of  the  Clock, 
Afternoon. 

Being  Assembled, 

Mr.  Joseph  Bradford  was  Chosen  Constable.     Sworn. 

Mr.  John  Baker  was  Chosen  Clerk  of  the  Market  Sworn. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  Town's 
Rights,  Read  again,  Accepted  &, 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  returned  to  the  said 
Committee,  for  their  Service  in  that  Affair. 

The  Committee  of  seven  Persons  appointed  the  12th  instant,  to 
view  and  report  their  Opinion  of  the  most  convenient  places  in  this 
Town  for  Fortifications,  Reported,  as  follows,  Viz* 

That  it  is  very  proper  to  have  Six  Guns  with  a  Breast  work 
plac'd  at  the  Southerly  Part  of  the  Old  South  Battery  to  prevent 
landing  Men  in  Boats  and  small  Vessels. 

That  the  Easterly  End  of  the  Long  Wharf  is  the  best  place  to 
build  a  Battery  on,  most  effectually  to  annoy  the  Enemy,  and  to 
defend  the  Town,  and  it  would  be  proper  to  have  Twenty  Guns 
placed  there.  At  present  the  Wharf  being  but  about  112  feet  in 
length  in  the  East  Front,  it  will  allow  as  it  is  now  of  no  more  than 
8,  or  10  Guns, 

[71.]  Wherefore  the  Committee  Judge  it  would  be  best  to 
lengthen  it  both  Southward  and  Northward  to  about  120  feet  more, 
and  to  add  15  or  20  feet  more  inward  to  the  depth  thereof,  and  in 
the  mean  time  to  plant  as  many  Guns  as  it  will  allow. 

That  it  would  do  well  to  have  Six  Guns  plac'd  on  Clark's 
Wharf,  both  to  meet  the  Ships  coming  up,  and  to  rake  any  Ship 
that  may  attempt  to  board  the  Battery  at  the  End  of  the  Long 
Wharf ;  but  as  that  is  not  the  Towns  property,  if  Guns  wer-e 
assigned  for  it,  they  may  be  fixed,  when  the  Town  sees  meet 
and   necessary. 

That  upon  Viewing  and  Examining  the  North  Battery  and  its 
Circumstances,  the  Front  being  much  Worm  eaten  and  decayed, 
and  settled  too  low  down.  It  appears  necessar}^  to  build  without  the 
Front  thereof  a  piece  of  Wharf  of  15  feet  deep,  and  the  same  to 
be  continued,  round  the  Northerly  End  where  the  new  addition 
must  be  35  feet,  and  all  well  t3^ed  to  strengthen  the  Old  Wharf,  All 
which  is  Humbly  Submitted  by, 

Thomas  Fitch. 

Boston  Mar.  13.  1733.  Edward  Hutchinson. 

Joseph  Wadsworth. 
Jacob  Wendell. 
James  Bowdoin. 
Thomas  Lee. 
John  Henderson. 

Voted,  That  there  be  an  addition  of  Eight  Persons  to  the  Com- 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1733.  61 

mittee  appointed  yesterday,  on  the  Affair  of  Fortification.     And 
that  they  be, 

Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage. 

Dr.  "William  Douglas. 

Col.  Estis  Hatch. 

Mess"  William  Stoddard. 

John  Checkle}'. 

John  Smibert. 

Samuel  Welles  Esq''  and 

Capt.  Edward  Pell. 
And  that  they  Report  on  Fryday  next,  at  Three  of  the  Clock, 
Afternoon. 

[72.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  until  Frj'day 
next,  at  Three  of  the  Clock,  Afternoon. 

Fryday,  Mar.  15. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjourm* 

Voted,  To  Choose  a  Committee,  to  lay  out  the  Money  appropri- 
ated for  Purchasing  Grain,,  for  Use  of  the  Town,  the  Year  ensu- 
ing.    And  That, 

Henry  Dering  Esq'' 

Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham,  and 

Mr.  Peter  Thomas. 

be  the  said  Committee. 

Voted,  That  the  above  Committee,  do  give  Orders  to  Mr.  Jona- 
than Williams,  What  Quantity  6f  Grain  each  Family  shall  receive 
out  of  the  Granar}'  at  one  time,  according  to  the  Seasons  of  the 
Year,  and  Circumstances  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Staniford  be  Excused  from  being  a 
Clerk  of  the  Market. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Clear  be  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  in  the 
room  of  Mr.  Staniford -_._     Sworn. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  the  Highways. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  directed  and  impower'd  to  pros- 
ecute in  the  Law,  Mr.  Henry  Gil)bs,  in  Order  to  recover  the  Right 
of  the  Town  in  that  piece  of  Land  on  Dock  Square,  formerly  called 
Henr}^  Webbs  Wharf. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Directed  to  renew  a  Petition  to 
the  Great  and  General  Court  on  behalf  of  the  Town,  for  leave  to 
bring  forward  a  Writ  of  [73.]  Review  against  the  Hon^'*  Thomas 
Palmer  Esq""  in  Order  to  recover  possession  of  a  Certain  Tenement 
on  Dock  Square  in  the  present  Occupation  of  William  Pain  & 
others. 

Voted,  That  John  Simpson  be  one  of  the  Fence- Viewers,  insteed 
of  Joseph  Kixwho  was  Excused,  as  being  One  of  the  Engine  Men. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Peter  Briton. 

Voted,  That  the  Said  Petition  l)e  Dismist. 

Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  directed  to  take  the  Rate  Bills 
from  the  said  Peter  Briton,  in  order  to  recover  the  Out  standing 
Rates  still  due  to  the  Town  according  to  the  Said  Bills. 

A  Motion  being  made  concerning  a  Town  Right  on  Windmill 
point,  Claimed  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion, 


62  City  Document  No.  66. 

Voted,  That  Mess'^^  Nathariael  Cunninghaia, 
James  Allen,  and 
Robert  Rand, 
be  a  Committee  to  inquire  into  the  same,  and  Report  to  the  Town 
as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  for  Fortifications,  is  as  follows. 
Viz' 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12'''  &  13'^  Instant,  to  Consider  of 
what  is  necessary  to  be  done  to  put  the  Town  into  a  State  of  De- 
fence are  humbly  of  Opinion. 

That  it  will  be  proper  to  add  to  the  front  for  the  whole  length 
of  the  North  Battery  a  piece  of  Wharf  of  Fifteen  feet  Breadth, 
and  to  add  Thirty  five  feet  to  the  North  Fastern  Fnd  & 

That  there  be  Six  Guns  prepared  for  Clarks  Wharf, 

[74:.]     To  be  transported  and  used  there  in  case  of  an  attack 

That  the  most  i*roper  place  for  building  a  Fortress  of  the 
greatest  Strength,  will  be  upon  the  fiats  on  the  Eastern  Side  of 
Fort  point  Channel,  where  a  Wharf  of,  Sixty  feet  breadth  may 
be  built  of  Three  hundred  feet  in  length,  with  a  breast  work,  and 
from  Fort  Hill  a  Line  of  Communication  may  be  made,  for  Supply 
men  and  Stores,  with  Safety. 

That  all  the  Guns  belonging  to  the  Town  be  immediately 
mounted  and  fitted  for  use,  and  as  many  placed  on  the  Pjid  of  the 
long  Wharf,  as  it  will  recieve,  where  a  brest  work  should  be  forth- 
with raised.  Tho.  Fitch,  in  the 

Mar.  15.  1733.  name  of  the  Commitee. 

Upon  the  Report  of  the  Committee  for  Fortification, 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Fortification  be  desired  to  draw 
a  plan  of  the  Fortifications  propos'd,  Consider  of  the  Charge,  and 
Report  the  same  on  Wednesday  the  20*  instant,  That  so  the  Town 
may  the  better  Judge  what  Money  will  be  necessary  to  be  raised 
in  order  to  Effect  the  same 

Voted,  That  there  be  a  Committee  Chosen  to  take  Effectual  Care 
to  prepare  Carriages,  and  all  utensils  necessary  for  compleatly 
Mounting  the  Cannon  belonging  to  the  Town,  and 

Voted,  That  Jacob  Wendell  Esq'" 
James  Bowdoin  Esqf 
Col°  Estis  Hatch 
Mess"  Isaac  White,  and 
John  Checkley,  be  the  Committee. 

[75.]  Voted,  To  add  Two  Persons  to  the  Committee  for 
Mounting  the  Cannon,    Viz'  Mess"  Thomas  Lee,  and 

Samuel  Clark. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  to  the  Town  House, 
until  Wednesday  next  the  20""  instant  at  nine  of  the  Clock  A.M. 

March,  20.    The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournm'  and 
Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  the  Public  Meeting 

House  in  Church  Green,  to  meet  there  in  half  an  Hour. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  make  good  the  Damage  that  may  be 

done  by  reason  of  the  Meeting,  and  make  clean  the  House. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1733.  63 

"Where  being  Assembled, 
The  Select  Men  informed  the  Town,  That  they  had  introduced 
Mr.  Nathan ael  Oliver,  as  an  Usher  in  the  South  Grammar  School, 
in  the  Roon:i  of  Mr.  Jeremiah  Gridley. 

Voted,  Tliat  it  be  left  with  the  Select  Men  to  Agree  with  Mess" 
Jonathan  Loring  and  Jonathan  Jackson,  in  the  best  manner  thej' 
can.  in  Order  to  Obtain  from  them  a  Six  foot  High  Way  from 
Salem  Street  to  Love  Street. 

The  Comjjiittee  for  Fortifications,  Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the 
Town  the  loth,  instant,  Presented  a  Plan  of  the  Fortifications  pro- 
pos'd,  and  a  Computation  of  the  Charge.  Which  is  as  follows. 
Viz' 

The  Computation  of  the  Cost  of  the 
several  Fortifications  propos'd 
for  the  Defence  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
[76.]     The  Addition  to  the  North  Battery  is  propos'd  to  be  15 
feet  in  the  Front,  and  35  feet  at  the  North  East,  and  by  Compu- 
tation will  take  325  Tons  of 

Square  Pine  timber,  at  20/  p  Ton     -     -     -     . 

Stone  for  the  same  will  Cost,  about  -----       350 

Workmanship  for  the  same     -------       200    -   -  - 

The  Breast  Work  for  the  same    ------       340 

£1215. 


1 .325 


The  Breast  Work,  for  the  Mounting;  Ei^ht  Guns  on  ] 


,160 


the  End  of  Boston  Pier,  about  -     -     -     -     -     - 

The  Platform  for  the  Guns,  and  over  the  Stairs      ) 

for  Men  to  Stand  on,  about      -     -     -     -     -     --J    .140 


.300 


The  Wharf  on  the  Flats  at  the  Eastward  End  of      ") 
Fort  Point  Channel  for  the  Planting  of  20  Guns,  is    | 
propos'd  to  be  300  feet  long,  and  60  feet  broad,  and  ^1600 
b}'  Computation  will  take  about  1600  Tons 
Square  Pine  Timber  at  20/  p  Ton      -     -     - 

Stone  for  the  same,  about     --------    -1800    -  - 

Workmanship,  about  - -----  500      -  - 

The   Breast    work   for  20    Guns,  and   Platform  for 
the  same,  about   -------------  550     -  - 

4450 

The  Wharf  propos'd  from  the  Old  South 

Battery  to  the  Fortification  on  the  Flats, 

for  a  Line  of  Communication,  is  propos'd 

to  be  20  feet  wide  leaving  the  Channel 

Open,  will  be  378  feet  long,  and  by 

Computation  will  take  about  700.  Tons 

of  Timber,  at  20/.  p  Ton     -     -     -     -      , 

Stone  for  the  vSame  about -     400 

Workmanship  thereof -     260 

The  Breast  Work  on  each  Side  of  Said^ 
Line,  is  propos'd  to  be  4  &  -J-  feet  high,  ' 
and  12  Inches  thick,  and  will  take 
90  Tons  of  Timber 

Workmanship  for  the  same,  about      -     -     -     100 

1540 


.700 


.90 


64  City  Docu3ient  No.  6Q. 

The  Carriages  for  oO  Guns,  with  Iron  work  &c.  )  innn 

We  Compute  will  Cost  al)out  £20.  Each  j 


Carried  over     -     -     .     -  £8505. 

[77.]  Brought  over     -     -     -     -  £8505 

The  Communication  over  the  Channel,  We  propose") 

to  be  by  Two  Large  Scows  haled  by  hawsors,  all  >-      -      200 
which  We  suppose  may  Cost  about-     -     -     •     -  ) 


£8705 
We  further  propose  the  Planting  of  Four  Guns  on  the  head  of  the 
Wharf,  on  the  West  Side  of  the  Line  of  Communication,  to  Cover 
the  Men,  transporting  over  the  Channel,  and  Scouring  both  sides 
of  the  Line. 

In  behalf  of  the  Committee  Tho.  Fitch. 

A  Plan  of  the  Fortifications  propos'd,  which  ought  now  to  have 
follow'd,  is  (for  greater  convenience  of  room)  placed  in  the  next 
Page. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  now  come  into  the  Consideration,  of 
ways  and  means  of  raising  Money  for  Effecting  the  i'ortifications 
propos'd  to  be  erected  for  the  Defence  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  what  Money  shall  be  required,  from  time  to  time 
to  carry  on,  and  perfect  the  Fortifications,  shall  be  Raised  by  a 
Tax  on  the  Inhabitants. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds,  to  oe  Raised  by 
a  Tax  as  aforesaid  be  appropriated  to  the  Use  of  Fortifying  the 
Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds,  be  Raised  by  a 
Tax  on  Polls  &  Estates,  for  Effecting  the  Fortifications  for  the 
securit3'  and  defence  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Edward  Pell  be  o«e  of  the  Committee  for 
Mounting  the  Cannon  belonging  to  the  Town,  in  the  Boom  of  Mr. 
Thomas  Lee,  who  was  excused  from  that  service.         i 

[78.]     A  Plan  of  Fortifications  proposed. 

[79.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  of  the 
Clock  p.  M. 

Being  Assembled,     ■< 

The  Committee  appointed  to  think  of,  and  assign  Three  suitable 
Places  for  Erecting  Markets,  &c.  Presented  their  Report,  which 
was  Read,     As  follows.  Viz' 

The  Committee  appointed  the  12  Mar.  1733.  to  think  of  and 
assign  Three  Suitable  places  for  erecting  Markets  having  the 
several  places  hereafter  mentioned.  Are  of  Opinion 

1.  That  the  Vacant  Space  call'd  Eliots'  Wharf,  with  Mr. 
Jonathan  Willis's  Land  fronting  next  the  Street  over  against  Mr. 
Tho^  Downe's,  or  a  peice  of  Land  near  it  about  90  feet  square  on 
the  Northerly  Side  of  the  High  Way  leading  to  Mr.  Daniel  Loring's 
Fronting  on  the  main  Street,  belongingto  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jacob  Eliot, 
would  either  of  them  suit  well  for  a  Market  lat  the  South 
End,  if  could  be  Obtained  on  reasonable  terms.  If  not.  The 
Space  in   the  Common  between  Mr.  Jacob  Sheaf's  house  &  the 


cwi//t{/:^/733. 


;  ■fprfffu^'d'. 


•^^ 


V4 


Qj^   Ly/l^Joiiih'Ue^/urrTze/^^tAe'lonoVma^OM'nr^lcTm^ 


If 


dlt^/t-  CMmz^/^ 


Boston  Town  Records,  1733.  65 

School  House,  has  been  by  some  recommended,  and  would  afford 
Roomly  accomodations  for  A  Market. 

2.  That  the  Open  Space  on  the  Town  Dock  or  Wharf  is  a  suit- 
able Place  for  a  Market  in  the  Middle  of  the  Town. 

3.  That  the  Open  Space  before  and  about  the  Old  North 
Meeting  House  is  a  Suitable  Place  for  a  Market  for  the  North  End 
of  the  Town. 

The  Computation  made  by  Mess"  Young  and  Russel  of  the 
Cost  of  the  buildings,  We  approve  of,  but  as  we  now  think  of  au 
Addition  to  the  House  for  the  South  Market,  and  of  laying 
Shingle  Ballast  before  the  same  as  well  as  the  other,  the  Cost 
maj^  probably  be  about  Sis  hundred  and  Forty  Pounds. 

The  Expence  to  be  defrayed,  either  by  Leasing  the  Ground  to 
the  Undertakers  to  build  the  Houses  for  a  Term  of  Years. 

[SO,]  They  making  good  preparation  for  the  Conveniencies  of 
the  Market's,  and  the  Town  to  allow  them  for  the  buildings  what 
they  shall  be  valued  to  be  worth  at  the  Expiration  of  the  Term  ;  Or 
Else,  to  be  defrayed  at  the  Charge  of  the  Town  by  a  Tux. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted  by,  Tho.  Fitch. 

Tho.  Palmer. 
Jacob  Wendell. 
Nath.  Cunningham. 

After  considerable  Debate  thereon, 

A  Question  was  put,  as  follows,  Viz' 

Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town  to  determine  by  a  Written 
Vote,  to  Accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee  [concerning  Mar- 
kets] So  far  as  respects  the  Two  places  mentioned  possitively 
therein?     And 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Number  of  Voters  were  719.  of  which  538  were  Yeas,  and 
181  Nays. 

The  Report  was  accordingly  accepted,  so  far  as  it  respects  the 
Open  Space  on  the  Town  Dock ;  and  the  Open  Space  before  and 
about  the  Old  North  Meeting  House. 

Voted,  To  Accept  the  Report  of  the  Committee  for  Markets, 
respecting  a  peice  of  Laud,  at  the  South  End  of  Boston,  Belonging 
to  Mr.  Jonathan  Willis  :  Which  Land  he  the  said  Willis  is  to  Lease 
to  the  Town,  for  the  Annual  Rent  of  Ten  Pounds,  as  p  Agreement 
with  the  said  WilUs. 

Which  Agreement  written,  and  Signed  by  said  Willis  in  presence 
of  the  Meeting,  is  as  follows.  Viz' 

Boston  March  20,  1733. 

At  a  Town  Meeting  regularl}'  Assembled  by  Adjourum'  to  the 
Meeting  House  in  Church  Green, 

[81.]  The  Report  of  the  Committee  relating  to  the  Market 
being  read,  in  which  they  recommend  a  peice  of  Land  at  the  South 
End  of  the  Town  belonging  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Willis  as  proper  for 
a  Market  Place  at  that  end  of  the  Town  ;  Mr.  Willis  was  treated 
with  on  the  affair,  who  Obliged  himself  to  Execute  Sufficient  Leases 
on  demand  for  said  Land,  for  the  Term  of  Ten  Years,  for  the  Con- 
sideration of  Ten  Pounds  p  Annum. 

Jonathan  Willis. 


66  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  directed  &  impower'd  take  proper 
Leases  of  the  said  Land  from  the  said  Willis  accordingly. 

In  Order  to  accommodate  the  Three  Markets,  It  was, 

Voted,  That  Seven  Hundred  Pounds  be  put  into  the  Hands  of 
the  Committee  for  Markets,  to  enable  them  to  Effect  the  several 
Buildings  necessary,  as  by  them  Reported. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Jacob 
Wendell  Esq""  for  his  generous  Offer  of  Fifty  Pounds,  towards 
Erecting  Markets. 

Voted,  That  the  Three  Clerks  of  the  Markets  viz'  Capt.  James 
Watson,  Mr.  Francis  Willough'oy  and  Capt.  John  Steel,  be  added 
to  the  Committee  for  Markets,  to  see  the  Buildings  of  the  Market 
Effected. 

Voted,  That  in  the  Proposals  for  Regulating  Markets  in  this 
Town,  Recorded  in  the  Town's  Book,  N°  3.  in  the  \A^^  line,  after 
the  Word  Whosoever,  be  added,  being  an  InJiabitant  of  this  Toivn. 

Voted,  That  the  motion  relating  to  Methods  for  preventing 
Frauds  in  the  weight  of  Hay  be  referr'd  over  to  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting. 

[83.]  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  presented  the  Depositions  of  of 
Henry  Bering  Esq""  Mess"  Timothy  Prout  &  John  Baker,  Which 
were  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Fortifications,  and  for  Preparing 
Carriages  for  Mounting  the  CaunOn  belonging  to  the  Town,  Wait 
on  His  Excellency  the  Governour,  to  acquaint  Him,  How  far  the 
Town  have  proceeded  in  the  Affair  of  Fortifications,  in  Order  to 
Obtain  his  Approbation,  and  to  Report  at  the  next  Meeting. 

His  Excellency's  Approbation  was  accordingly  Signified  in 
Writing,  as  follows,  Viz' 

I  have  considered  of  this  Application  to  Me,  from  the  Town  of 
Boston. 

And  by  Vertue  of  the  Power  vested  in  me  by  the  Royal  Charter 
(as  His  Majesty's  Govern''  of  this  Province)  To  Erect  Forts,  and 
to  Fortify  any  place  or  place  within  the  Said  Province  &c. 
I  do  hereby  signify  my  Approbation  of,  and  Consent  to  the 
building  of  Fortifications  in  the  said  Town  of  Boston  in  manner  as 
is  proposed  in  the  Votes  afore  written. 

Boston  Mar.  25,  1734.  J.  Belcher, 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  the  Market  be  Impower'd  to 
treat  with  Mr.  Theophilus  Lillie,  or  any  other  Person,  for  some 
other  piece  of  Land  adjoining  to  Mr.  Willis's,  for  the  further 
Accomodation  of  the  Market  at  the  Sonth  End  of  Boston,  if  nec- 
essary. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  until  Tuesday  next,  at 
Nine  of  the  Clock  A.M.  At  the  Town  House 

Anno,  1734. 
[83.]  Tuesday,  March,  26* 

The  Town  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 
Pursuant  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Willis's  Agreement  with  the  Town 
of  Boston  as  enter'd  the  20'''  instant,  and  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town 
thereon  the  same  Day,  Impowering  the  Select  Men  to  take  prop(  r 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  67 

Leases  of  Mr.  Willis's  Land,  assigned  for  a  Market  Place  —  the 
same  was  accordingly  perform'd,  and  is  as  follows  Viz'. 

This  Indenture  made  the  Twenty  Fifth  day  of  March  in  the 
seventh  year  of  the  Reign  of  Our  Soveraigu  Lord  King  George  the 
Second  Annoq.  Domini  One  Thousand  seven  hundred  and  Thirty 
four,  Between  Jonathan  Willis  of  Boston  in  the  County  of  Suffolk 
Trader  and  Mar}-  his  Wife  of  the  One  part,  And  Mess'"^  John 
Jeffries  Esq""  Edward  Brorafield  Jun''  William  Downe.  Jonathan 
Armitage,  David  Colson,  Joshua  Winslow  and  Alexander  Forsyth 
all  of  Boston  afores*^  and  Select  Men  of  the  said  Town  on  the  other 
part  Wltnesseth,  That  the  said  Jonathan  and  Mary  Willis  for  and 
under  the  Rents  and  Covenants  hereafter  mentioned  hath  demised, 
leased,  set,  and  to  farm  letten,  and  by  these  presents  Doth  demise, 
lease,  set  and  to  farm  let  unto  the  Said  Select  Men  &  their  Suc- 
cessors for  the  Use  of  the  Said  Town,  All  that  certain  Peice  or 
Parcel  of  Land  situate  lying  and  being  at  the  South  End  of  the 
Said  Town  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  viz'  Westerly  on  Orange 
Street  so  called,  there  Measuring  Fifty  nine  feet  more  or  less  ; 
]S^ortherly  on  Beach  Street  so  called,  there  Measuring  Eighty  four 
feet  more  or  less  ;  Easterly  on  Land  in  the  possession  of  Theophilus 
Lillie,  there  measuring  One  Hundred  &  Twenty  seven  feet  six 
inches,  and  Southerly  on  other  Flats  of  the  said  Willis,  there 
measuring  Sixty  eight  feet  six  inches,  then  bounded  Westerly  on 
Land  of  Samuel  Welles  Esq"^  Where  it  measures  Seventy  One  feet, 
and  Southerly  on  land  of  the  said  Welles  there  Measuring  Fifty 
eight  feet  six  inches,  or  however  otherwise  bounded  or  "i-eputed  to 
be  bounded,  Together  with  the  (84.)  Profits,  privileges  and  appur- 
tenances thereto  belonging  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  demised 
Laud  with  the  Appurtenances  unto  the  said  John  Jeffries  Itsq'' 
Edward  Bromfield  Jun"^  William  Downe,  Jonathan  Armitage,  David 
Colson,  Joshua  Winslow  and  Alexander  Forsyth  Select  Men  as 
aforesaid  and  their  Successors  in  the  said  Office  and  Trust  for  the 
Use  of  the  Said  Town  of  Boston  for  and  during  the  full  end  and 
term  of  Ten  j^ears.  Yielding  and  paying  Ten  Pounds  p  Annum  for 
the  Rent  thereof,  in  manner  as  hereafter  mentioned. 

And  the  said  John  Jeffries,  Edward  Bromfield  Jun''  William 
Downe,  Jonathan  Armitage,  David  Colson,  Joshua  AVinslow  and 
Alexander  Forsyth  Qualified  as  aforesaid  Do  Covenant  for  them- 
selves their  heirs  Executors  Administrators  and  Successors  in  that 
Trust  for,  and  on  behalf  of  the  said  Town  of  Boston,  to  and  with 
the  said  Jonathan  Willis  and  Mai-y  his  Wife  their  heirs,  Execut" 
and  Administrators  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  unto  them  the  said 
Jonathan  and  Mary  Willis  their  heirs,  Executors  or  Administrate 
respectively  for  the  Rent  of  the  said  Demised  land  and  premises 
the  sum  of  Ten  Pounds  p  Annum  in  good  Bills  of  Credit  on  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  or  current  Money  of  New 
England  on  every  Twenty  fifth  day  of  March  year!}'  and  every  year 
from  hence  next  Successively  following  until  the  Said  Term  of  Ten 
Years  be  run  out  and  ended,  and  also  to  pay  all  Rates  and  Taxes 
which  shall  be  levied  or  assessed  on  the  Said  Demised  premisses 
during  the  Said  term,  and  at  the  end  thereof  to  deliver  up  quiet 
possession  thereof  to  the  Lessors  their  heirs  or  Assigns,     And  the 


68  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Said  Jonathan  Willis  and  Mary  bis  AVife  Do  hereby  Covenant  and 
promise  for  themselves  their  heirs,  Executors  and  Administrators 
to  and  with  the  said  Select  men  and  their  Successors,  That  if  they 
the  Said  Select  Men  their  Successors  or  assigns  shall  pay  the 
said  Yearly  Rent  as  the  same  shall  become  due,  [85.]  The  said 
Town  shall  have,  hold  and  enjoy  the  said  demised  Land  and 
Premisses  until  the  said  time  be  expired  But  if  default  be  made 
in  any  of  the  said  payments  Thirty  days  after  the  same  shall  be- 
come due,  Then  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  said  Lessors 
their  heirs  &c.  to  reenter  into  the  said  Land  and  the  Lessees  to" 
Eject  from  their  possession  thereof,  any  thing  before  written  to 
the  Contrary  notwithstanding.  ' 

And  fiirther  the  said  Parties  to  these  presents  Do  Agree  that 
Mr.  Richard  Crowninshield  shall  improve  part  of  the  said  demised 
premisses  viz'  Eighteen  foot  of  Land  fronting  the  aforesaid  street, 
and  measuring  in  depth  Thii'ty  six  foot  leased  to  him  by  the  said 
Willis  for  Five  years  from  the  28th  June,  1732.  until  the  said 
Crowninshifcld's  lease  be  ended  unless  the  Said  Town  hire  it  of  him. 
In  Witness  whereof  the  said  Parties  to  these  presents  have  here- 
unto Interchangeably  put  their  hands  and  Seals  the  day  and  year 
first  herein  before  written. 

Signed  Sealed  &  Deliver'd  Jonathan  Willis.     (Seal.) 

in  presence  of  us  Mary  Willis.  (Seal.) 

William  Salter. 

-^NEAS  Salter 

Whereas  I  have  this  Day  Leas'd  out  a  peice  of  Land  at  the 
South  End  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  the  Select  Men,  for  the  use 
of  the  said  Town,  in  which  is  included  a  peice  of  Land,  Let  by  me 
to  Richard  Crowninshield  the  2<S"'  June,  1732  for  Five  Years,  I 
hereby  Oblige  myself,  on  demand  to  make  over  the  said  Lease 
with  all  the  profits  &  privileges  thereto  belonging,  to  the  said  Select 
Men  for  the  use  of  the  Town  aforesaid. 

Boston  March,  25.  1734. 

Jonathan  Willis. 

[86.]  We  W^hose  Names  are  Underwritten  Do  hereby  Oblige 
Our  Selves,  to  put  the  whole  Ground  which  the  Town  have  Hired 
of  Mr.  Jonathan  AVillis  into  a  proper  posture  to  Erect  Buildings 
thereon  for  the  Accomodation  of  a  Market,  Except  the  Flats,  that 
lye  to  the  Southward  of  a  Line  drawn  directly  a  Cross  from  Sam- 
uel Welles  Esq'''s  Land  to  the  Wharf  Call'd  Mr.  Lillie's  from  a 
Point  Thirty  four  feet  Southward  of  Said  VVelles's  North  East 
Corner,  And  to  keep  the  same  in  good  Repair,  for  the  Space  of 
Ten  years  next  coming,  to  the  Approbation  of  the  Select  Men  for 
the  time  being,  at  our  own  costs  and  charge.  As  Witness  our 
Hands  this  Twenty  Sixth  Day  of  March,  1734. 

Samuel   Welles. 

Tho^  Downe, 

Henry  Gibbon. 

John    Eliot. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  69 

Voted,  That  the  Affair  now  in  debate  respecting  the  Mar- 
ket Place  at  the  South  End,  shall  be  determined  by  a  Hand- 
vote. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  do  Acquiesce,  and  are  Satisfied  in  the 
Place,  assigned  for  a  Market  at  the  South  End,  With  the  Addition 
of  Mr.  Welles's  Land,  and  the  Obligation  which  the  said  Samuel 
Welles  Esq""  Mess"  Thomas  Downe,  Henry  Gibbon  and  John  Eliot 
Enter'd  into  to  put  the  said  Land  into  a  proper  posture  to  Erect 
Buildings  thereon  for  Accomodation  of  a  Market,  and  to  keep  the 
same  in  good  Repair  for  the  Space  of  Ten  years  yet  to  come  at 
their  own  Cost  and  Charge  to  the  Approbation  of  the  Select  Men 
for  the  time  being. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  [87.]  To 
Samuel  Welles  Esq''  Mess"  Thomas  Downe,  Henry  Gibbon  and 
John  Eliot,  for  their  free,  and  voluntary  offer,  to  put  the  Ground 
now  hired  of  Mr.  Jou^  Willis,  into  a  proper  posture,  to  Erect 
Buildings  thereon,  for  the  Accommodation  of  a  Market ;  and  of 
keeping  the  same  in  good  Repair,  for  the  space  of  Ten  years  next 
coming  —  And  becoming  Obliged  to  perform  the  same,  as  enter'd 
this  day. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Four  of  the  Clock, 
p.m. 

Being  accordingly  Assembled. 

The  Scheme  of  a  Market  being  prepared,  was  then  Read  as 
follows.  Viz' 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  being  regularly  Assem- 
bled in  a  Publick  Town  Meeting,  by  adjournment,  at  the 
Town-House,  Tuesda.y  March  26,  1734. 

Whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  labour  under  many  hard- 
ships and  difficulties  for  want  of  an  Open  Public  Market  under 
good  regulation,  where  everj'  One  may  resort  at  stated  convenient 
Places  within  the  Town  to  buy  and  sell  several  Sorts  of  Provi- 
sions. 

For  Remedy  thereof. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered. 

That  Three  Places  be,  and  hereby  are,  at  present  Assigned  for 
the  aforesaid  Market ;  And  that  they  ma}-  be  made  fit  and  commo- 
dious for  the  reception  of  such,  as  from  time  to  time  may  bring 
their  commodities  there  for  Sale  [88.]  That  the  sum  of  Seven 
Hundred  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  pay'd  out  of  the  Town  Treasury 
to  Thomas  Fitch,  Edward  Hutchinson,  Thomas  Palmer,  Jacob 
Wendell  Esq"  Mess"  Nathanael  Cunningham,  James  Watson, 
Francis  Willoughhy  and  John  Steel  to  enable  them  to  effect  the 
buildings  and  other  necessaries  at  the  three  several  places  assigned 
for  that  use.  And  that  a  Peice  of  Land,  bcninded  Easterl}'  on 
Lrind  in  possession  of  Theophilus  Liliie,  there  measuring  One 
Hundred  twenty  seven  feet ;  Southerly  on  the  flats  of  Jon  Willis, 
there  measuring  Sixty  eight  feet,  six  inches  ;  Then  bounded  West- 
erly on  Land  of  Samuel  Welles  P^sq""  there  measuring  Seventy  One 
feet;  And  Southerly  on  Land  of  Said  Welles,  there  measuring 
Fift}'  eight  feet,  six  inches ;  Fronting  on  the  main  Street,  leading 


70  City  Document  No.  66. 

to  Roxbury,  known  by  the  Name  of  Orange  Street,  over  against 
the  House  and  Land  of  Thomas  Dowue,  there  measuring  Seventy 
feet,  is  pitch'd  upon  for  One  of  the  Places.  That  the  Town's 
Ground  or  open  space  on  the  Town  Dock  or  Wharf,  commonly 
caird  Dock  square,  be  another  place,  And  that  the  open  space 
before  and  about  the  Old  North  Meeting  House  is  fix'd  upon  and 
determined  for  the  Third  place.  Where  the  Market  is  to  be  kept 
and  carried  on. 

That  Capt.  James  Watson  be,  and  hereby  is  constituted  and 
appointed.  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  to  Attend  at  the 
vacant  place  on  the  Town  Dock  ;  Mr.  Francis  VVilloughJ.3,y^uother 
of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market ;  to  be  and  attend  at  Mr.  AVillis's 
Land  ;  And  Capt  John  Steel  is  chosen  and  appointed  the  other 
Clerk~li)f  the  Market,  at  the  open  space  before  and  about  the  Old 
North  Meeting  House,  Who  are^to  be  and  remain  in  their  Office  as 
Clerks  of  the  Market  until  the  annual  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders 
and  Inhabitants  in  March  next,  and  until  others  are  chosen  and 
Appointed  in  their  room  and  to  have  and  receive  such  Salary  for 
their  Service  as  shall  be  then  Voted  them  by  the  Town  ;  [89.] 
Who  are  to  give  their  Constant  Attendance  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Market,  and  there  abide  during  the  continuation  thereof,  and 
take  effectual  care  that  the  Several  Rules,  Orders  and  Directions 
for  the  Regulating  and  more  orderly  carrying  on  the  Market  be 
duly  observed  and  kept. 

Ordered, 

That  no  Person,  being  an  Inhabitant  of  this  Town,  shall  sell,  or 
expose  to  sale,  or  shall  buy  any  Flesh,  Poultr}^,  Eggs,  Butter, 
Meal,  Cheese,  Fruit,  Herbs,  Roots,  or  other  provisions  in  any 
other  place  or  places  within  the  said  Town,  Precinct  or  Liberty 
thereof  than  the  Public  places  aforesaid.  Except  such  provisions 
as  are  hereafter  excepted.  On  penalty  of  being  fined  in  proportion 
to  the  Offence,  not  Exceeding  Twenty  Shillings,  as  shall  be 
Judged  by  the  Justice  before  whom  the  cause  shall  come.  Upon  the 
Information  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market,  or  any  other  person,  due 
proof  thereof  being  made. 

That  Every  Day  in  the  Week,  except  the  Lord's  Day,  or  other 
Days  set  apart  by  this  Government  for  Religious  Service,  be  a 
Market  Day,  and  that  a  Bell  be  daily  rung  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Market,  wliich  shall  be  at  the  rising  of  the  Sun  thro'  the  whole 
Year,  And  if  any  person  or  persons.  Inhabitants  as  aforesaid, 
shall  sell,  or  put  to  open  sale,  in  the  said  several  Markets,  or 
either  of  them,  any  manner  of  Provisions  or  other  Commodities  or 
shall  buy  an}"  of  them  before  the  ringing  of  the  Market  Bell,  Such 
Offender  or  Offenders  being  thereof  convict  shall  forfeit  and  pay  a 
Fine  of  Twenty  Shillings  for  every  such  Offence.  And  if  au}^ 
such  person  or  persons  shall  presume  to  cheapen  or  buy  any  Flesh, 
Fowle,  Butter,  Eggs,  Meal,  Herbs,  Fruit,  Roots,  or  other  pro- 
visions or  Victuals,  or  make  any  previous  contract  with  any  Seller, 
or  buy  the  same  in  any  other  place  than  in  one  of  the  said  Markets 
shall  forfeit  and  pay,  for  each  and  every  such  Offence,  being 
thereof  convict,  the  sum  of  Twenty  Shillings. 

[90.]     That  all  sorts  of  Fish  brought  by  Water ,  may  be  sold 


Boston  Town  Kecoeds,  1734.  71 

at  the  "Wharves  and  places  usually  improved  for  that  purpose ; 
But  all  Fish  caught  in  Rivers,  Ponds,  and  Brooks,  shall  be 
brought  into  and  sold  in  the  Market ;  Frost-fish  and  Smelts, 
excepted. 

That  if  any  such  person  or  persons  as  aforesaid  shall  put  to 
sale,  utter  or  sell  any  such  provisions  in  any  private  House,  Ware- 
house, Inn,  Alehouse,  Tavern,  Alley,  Lane,  Street,  or  other  place 
or  places  whatsoever,  within  the  Said  Town,  Precinct,  or  Liberty 
thereof,  than  in  the  Market  places.  Or,  some  One  of  them,  Every 
person  so  carrying,  or  offering  to  put  to  sale,  or  to  buy  any  pro- 
visions Shall  forfeit  Twenty  Shillings  for  every  such  Offence  : 
Provided  always.  That  no  clause  or  expression  herein  contained, 
shall  extend,  intend,  or  be  judged  to  restrain  or  abridge  nny 
Butchers  from  Selling  Meat  as  heretofore,  nor  such  Who  import 
by  Sea  any  Grain,  Meat  or  Fish  Salted  in  Barrels  from  Selling 
the  same  on  board  their  Vessels  on  in  their  dwelling  Houses,  or 
storehouses,  Nor  Such  as  bring  Grain  by  land,  or  Apples,  Onions, 
or  Turnips  by  the  bushel  or  greater  quantities,  or  Milk,  or  Cider 
as  hath  heretofore  been  the  custom.  And  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful 
for  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  and  others  to  the  above  men- 
tioned provisions  in  the  usual  method,  as  formerly  :  But  all  other 
provisions  brought  in  by  Land  or  AVater  shall  be  sold  in  the 
Market 

That  if  any  Retailer,  Huckster  or  other  person  to  sell  again, 
shall  buy  any  Flesh,  Fish,  Fowle,  Eggs,  Butter,  Cheese,  or  any 
other  sort  of  provisions  saleable  in  the  Market,  in  Order  to  Retail 
the  same,  until  after  Twelve  of  the  Clock  at  noon,  he  shall  forfeit 
the  Sum  of  Twent}'  Shillings  for  each  offence. 

That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  presume  to  [91.]  Expose 
to  sale  in  the  said  Markets,  or  either  of  them,  any  unwholesome 
or  stale  victnals,  blown  meat,  leprous  or  measly  swine,  he  she  or 
they  so  offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay  in  proportion  to  the  Offence, 
not  exceeding  Twenty  Shillings. 

That  no  Cart  or  Team  be  allow'd  to  stand  near  the  Entrance  of 
the  Market  place  or  places,  but  shall  immediately  depart  upon 
Order  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market  to  the  Owner  or  driver  so 
to  do,  under  the  penalty  of  Five  Shillings  for  refusal  or  neglect 
thereof. 

That  proper  persons  be  appointed  to  keep  clean  the  IMarket  and 
to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Market  in  their  so 
doing,  and  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  by  Order  of 
the  Select  Men. 

That  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  are  hereb3'  required  and  directed 
to  prosecute  any  person  or  persons  trespassing  against  any  of  the 
Rules  or  Orders  before  mentioned  ;  And  that  the  said  Clerks  of 
the  Market ;  or  any  other  persons  who  shall  sue  for  and  recover 
any  Fines,  Forfeitures,  Sum  or  Sums  of  Mone3\  arising  from 
the  breach  of  any  of  these  orders,  shnll  be  intitled  to  receive 
the  value  of  One  half  of  the  Sum  so  recovered,  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury. 

Provided  always.  Nothing  herein  contained  be  intended,  meant 
or  construed  to  abridge  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Rumn<.y 


72  City  Document  No.  66. 

Marsh    from   buying   or  selling   any  provisions    as  usual  in  said 
District. 

Provided  always,  and  it  is  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the 
above  written.  That  the  Market  shall  be  opened,  or  commence  on 
Monday  the  Twentieth  day  of  May,  next  ensuing;  Public  Notice 
"thereof  being  given.  Ten  days  before  the  said  time. 

Voted,  That  the  Scheme  of  a  Market,  as  it  has  been  now  Read, 
Be  Established. 

[92.]  Voted,  That  the  Sclieme  of  a  Market  as  now  Read,  be 
prepared  and  presented  to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  for  their  approbation. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Attend  accordingly, 
on  the  Court  of  General  Sessions,  in  Order  to  Obtain  their  appro- 
bation of  the  same. 

Samuel  Welles  Esq''  having  Leased  a  certain  Peice  or  parcel  oi 
Land,  To  the  Select  Men  of  Boston,  for  the  better  Accommo 
dating  a  Public  Market  place  for  the  Use  and  benefit  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  said  Town  —  Thej^  have  Order'd  the  same  to  be 
here    Recorded. 

This  Indenture  made  the  Twenty  Sixth  Day  of  March  Anno 
Domini  One  Thousand  Seven  hundred  and  Thirty  four.  And  in  the 
seventh  Year  of  the  Reign  of  Our  Soveraign  Lord  George  the 
Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.  Between  Samuel  Welles  of  Boston 
in  the  County  of  Suffolk  and  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
in  New  England  Esq""  On  the  One  part.  And  John  Jeffries  & 
Joshua  Winslow  Esq"  WilUam  Downe  Gent.  I'dward  Bromfield 
Jun""  Jonathan  Armitage  and  Alexander  Forsyth  Merchants  & 
David  Collson  Leather  dresser  All  of  Boston  aforesaid  and  Select 
Men  of  the  said  Town  of  the  Other  part.  Witnesseth  That  the  said 
Samuel  Welles  for  the  Consideration  hereafter  mentioned  Hath 
Demised  Granted  Set  and  to  Farm  Letten,  And  by  these  presents 
Doth  Demise  Grant  Set  and  to  Farm  Let  unto  the  said  John 
Jeffries  Joshua  Winslow  William  Downe  Edwai'd  Bromfield  Jona- 
than Armitage  Alexander  Fors^-th  &  David  Collson  Select  Men  as 
Aforesaid  for  the  Use  hereafter  mentioned.  All  that  his  the  said 
Samuel  Welles's  certain  Peice  or  Parcel  of  Land  Situate  lying  and 
being  at  the  Southerly  part  of  Boston  af ores'*  being  Butted  and 
Bounded  as  followeth  Viz*  Westerly  at  the  Front  on  Orange 
Street  there  measuring  Twelve  Feet  Northerly  on  the  Land  of 
Jonathan  Willis  there  measuring  [93.]  Fifty  nine  feet,  Easterly  on 
the  said  Willis's  Land  there  measuring  Twelve  feet,  and  Southerly 
on  the  S'*  Welles's  Land  there  measuring  Fifty  nine  feet,  Or 
however  Otherwise  butted  and  bounded,  or  reputed  to  be 
butted  and  bounded,  with  the  Privileges  and  Appurtenan- 
ces thereto  belonging  (Saving  always  and  Reserving  unto  the 
said  Samuel  Welles  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  the  libert}'  of  putting 
down  Posts  in  the  Ground  on  the  Northerly  part  of  his  House 
next  adjoyning  to  the  Demised  Land  about  one  foot  distance  there 
from  to  save  Carts  from  hurting  the  same)  To  Have  and  to  Hold 
the  said  Demised  and  Letten  piece  or  parcel  of  Land  and  Premisses 
with  the  Appurtenances  (Saving  &  Reserving  as  aforesaid)  Unto 


BosTox  Town  Records,   1734.  73 

the  said  John  Jeffries  Joshua  "Wiuslow  William  Downe  Edward 
Broinfield  Jonathan  Armitage  Alexander  Forsyth  and  David 
Collscn  Select  Men  as  aforesaid  &  iheir  Successors  in  the  said 
Office  from  the  Day  of  the  Date  hereof  for  and  during  the  space 
and  Term  of  Ten  Years  now  next  Ensuing  &  fully  to  be  complcat 
and  Ended.  Upon  this  Condition  Nevertheless,  That  the  said 
Demised  peice  of  Land  be  Improved  &  Employed  during  the 
whole  Term  of  this  Lease  for  tie  better  Accomodating  a  Public 
Market  Place  for  the  Use  and  benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
said  Town  of  Boston  and  to  and  for  no  Other  Use  intent  or  purpose 
Whatsoever  ;  But  if  the  said  Peice  of  Land  shall  not  be  Improved 
for  the  Use  aforesaid,  then  the  same  to  Revert  to  the  Lessor,  and 
in  that  Case  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  said  Samuel 
Welles  his  Heirs  Exccut"  Administ"  or  Assigns  into  the  said 
Demised  Premisses  with  the  Appurtenances  to  Ke  Pinter  and  the 
same  to  have  again  Repossess  and  Enjoy  as  in  his  and  their  first 
and  former  Estate,  this  Indenture  or  any  thing  therein  contained  to 
the  contrary  thereof  in  any  wise  notwithstanding.  Yeilding,  Rendering 
and  Paying  therefore  yearly  and  every  j^ear  unto  the  said  Samuel 
Welles  his  Heirs  Execut"  AdminisL"  or  Assigns  upon  every 
Twenty  sixth  day  of  March  during  the  Term  aforesaid  One  Pepper 
Corn  (if  the  same  be  demanded)  in  full  for  the  Rent  of  the 
Premisses.  And  the  said  John  Jeffries  Joshua  Winslow  William 
Downe  Edward  Bromfield  Johnathan  Armitage  Alexander  Forsyt 
and  David  CoUson  Select-Men  as  aforesaid  for  themselves  and 
their  Successors  in  the  said  Office  Do  Covenant  and  Agree  to  ami 
with  the  said  Samuel  Welles  his  Heirs  Execut"  Administ"  and 
Assigns  Well  and  truly  to  pay  the  Rent  aforesaid  as  the  same 
shall  become  due  if  it  be  demanded  ;  And  in  case  the  said  Demised 
Land  shall  not  be  [94.]  Improved  for  the  Use  aforesaid  that 
then  it  shall  be  Lawful  for  the  Lessor  to  Enter  into  have  and 
possess  the  same  in  Manner  as  aforesaid  any  thing  before  written 
to  the  contrary  Notwithstanding.  And  further.  That  at  the  Expira- 
tion or  other  determination  of  this  present  Lease  they  the  said 
Lessees  or  their  Successors  in  the  said  Office  shall  and  will  peaceably 
and  qiiietly  Surrender  and  deliver  up  the  Possession  of  the 
said  demised  peice  of  Land  and  Premisses  with  the  Appurte- 
nances unto  the  said  Samuel  Welles  his  Heirs  Executors,  Ad- 
ministrators, or  Assigns  without  Waste  Stroy  or  Demolishment 
(Extraordinary  Casualties  Excepted)  And  the  said  Samuel 
Welles  for  himself  his  Heirs  Execut"  and  Administrators  Doth 
Covenant  and  Agree  to  and  with  the  said  John  Jeffries 
Joshua  Winslow  William  Downe  Edward  Bromfield  Jonathan 
Armitage  Alexander  Forsyth  and  David  Collson  Select  Men  as 
aforesaid  and  their  Successors  in  the  Said  Cffice  for  and  in  behalf 
of  the  said  Town  of  Boston  That  ihey  paying  and  performing  all 
and  whatsoever  is  before  mentioned  on  their  part  to  be  paid  and 
performed,  Shall  and  may  Lawfully'  Peaceably  and  Quietly  have 
hold  and  enjoy  the  said  Demised  Premisses  with  the  Appurtenances 
during  the  Term  of  this  Lease  without  the  lawful  J.et  Suit  or 
hindrance  of  him  the  said  Samuel  Welles  or  any  Person  or 
Persons  claiming  or  to  claim  by  from  or  under  him. 


74  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

In  Witness  whereof  the  aforesaid  Partys  have  hereunto  Inter- 
changeably Set  their  Hands  and  Seals  the  Day  and  year  aforc- 
writieu. 

Samuel  Welles  and  a  Seal. 
Signed  Sealed, 
and  Delivered  in 
presence  of  — 

Richard  Hubbard, 
John  Savel. 

[95.]     Voted,  To  Choose   a  Committee,    separate   from  the 
Select   Men,  to  inquire  into  the  State  of  the  End  of  the  Long 
Wharf,  in  Order  to  Plant  Guns  thereon. 
Voted,  That  the  Committee  aforesaid,  consist  of  Five  Persons. 
Voted,  That  Mess"  Briant  Parott, 

Thomas  Lee, 
John  Walker, 
Isaac  White,  and 
Jeffery  Bedgood. 
be  the  Committee. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  until  Frj-day  next  a 
Nine  of  the  Clock,  A.  M. 

Fryday,  March,  29"^ 
The  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  26th.  Instant  to  inquire  into  the 
State  of  the  End  of  the  Long  Wharf,  presented  a  Report,  which 
was  Read,  as  follows,  viz '. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  regularly-  Assembled  by 
Adjournment  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston,  upon  Tuesday  Mar. 
26,  1734.  Appointing  us  a  Committee,  separate  from  the  Select 
Men,  to  inquire  into  the  State  of  the  Long  Wharf,  in  Order  to 
plant  Guns  thereon. 

We  have  this  day  been  upon,  viewed  &  survey'd  the  End  of  the 
Long  Wharf,  and  find  the  same  to  be  much  decay'd  and  worm 
eaten,  and  by  the  wash  of  the  Sea  the  small  wood  laid  in  the 
Wharf  is  carried  away  leaving  great  Cavities  [96.]  Therein,  and 
the  Foundation  greatly  weakned.  Which  in  our  opinion  was  not 
at  first  faithfully  laid,  and  performed. 

And  in  our  opinion  it  is  not  in  a  condition  of  repair  for  the 
planting  a  Line  of  Guns  thereon,  nor  can  it  in  the  present'  state 
thereof  be  useful  or  serviceable  to  the  Town  for  the  same.  And 
further,  We  find  the  end  of  the  said  Long  Wharf  incumbred  with 
a  Crane  House  thereon,  which  ought  to  be  free,  for  the  Service  of 
the  Town  conformable  to  the  Original  Contract,  between  the  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Long  Wharf  and  the  Town  of  Boston. 

Dated  at  Boston  the  28th.  day  of  Mar.  Anno  Dom.  1734.  And 
humbly  Submitted,  bj-, 

Briant  Parrott, 

Thomas  Lee, 

John  Walker,       }■  Committee. 

Isaac  AVhite, 

Jeff.  Bedgood, 


BosTOx  Town  Eecords,  1734.  75 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted. 

Upon  which  The  Hon*"^"  Thomas  Fitch  Esq'"  on  Account  of  Him- 
self and  Associates,  Proprietors  of  the  Long  AVharf ,  John  Colman 
Esq  Jacob  Wendell  Esq  &  James  Bowdoin  Esq""  in  behalf  of 
themselves,  did  promise  the  Town,  That  the  end  of  the  Long 
Wharf  should  speedily'  be  put  into  a  proper  posture  and  condition 
to  plant  Guns  upon,  according  to  their  Original  Contract. 

Voted,  That  the  additional  Row  of  Trees  which  is  to  be  planted 
in  the  Common,  be  set  to  the  Eastward  of  those  already  planted 
tbei-e. 

Voted,  That  the  several  Writing  Masters  in  the  Town,  do  pre- 
sent, at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  [97.]  Some  of  their 
own  performances  in  Writing,  for  the  Town's  inspection. 

Upon  a  Motion  for  Reconsidering  a  Vote  of  the  Town  the  15th. 
Instant,  Fixing  the  Fortification  on  the  East  Side  of  Fort-point 
Channel. 

A  Question  was  put.  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  will  Reconsider  their  Vote  for  fixing  the 
Fortification  on  the  East  side  of  Fort-point  Channel.  It  pass'd 
in  the  negative. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Persons,  as  a  Com- 
mittee to  Effect  the  Fortifications  propos'd  to  be  Erected  in  this 
Town. 

Voted,  To  defer  the  Choice  of  the  said  Committee  'till  the 
Afternoon. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  William  Rand  be  a  Collector  of  the  Taxes  for 
the  Year  ensuing,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Jacob  Sheafe,  Who  declined 
that  service. 

Upon  a  Motion  of  Mr.  Jacob  Holyoke,  &  for  Reasons  given. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Jacob  Holyoke  be  Excused  from  Serving  as 
an  Assessor  for  this  year. 

Voted,  That  the  Plan  of  the  Circular  Line  be  removed  from  the 
Town  Treasurer's  into  the  Town  Clerk's  Office. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  until  Three  of  the 
Clock,  p.  m. 

And  being  again  Assembled. 

The  Following  Persons  were  Chosen  a  Com**^  to  Effect  the  For- 
tifications, according  to  a  Vote  [98.]  Pass'd  in  the  Morning. 
viz'. 

The  Hon''^«  Elisha  Cooke  Esq'. 

Edward  Hutchinson  Esq'. 
Edward  Winslow  Esq'. 
Capt.  JefTery  Bedgood. 
Mess".  John  Checkley. 
Isaac  White,  and, 
Ebenezer  Thornton. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  Meet  on  Wednesday  next,  at  nine 
of  the  Clock,  A.  M.  in  Order  to  Receive  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee now  chosen,  respecting  the  Materials,  and  Method  of  Build- 
ing the  Fortifications. 

Voted,  That  the  following  Petition  be  signed  by  the  Select  Men, 


76  City  Document  No.  &6. 

and  Presented  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  at  their  next  Ses- 
sion, viz'. 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq'. 
Captain  Genernl  and  Governour  in  Chief, 
the  Hon'''®  The  Council,  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, in  General  Court  Assem- 
bled, Apr.  10.  1734. 

The  Representation  and  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
Humbly  Sheweth. 

That  the  Said  Town  is  in  a  very  defenceless  condition,  That 
the  prospect  of  War  makes  it  exceeding  necessary.  Some  consid- 
erable Works  should  be  raised  for  its  Security  ;  [99.]  That  this 
is  very  much  for  the  Safety  and  Welfare  of  the  Province  in  gen- 
eral, as  this  Town  is  the  Key  of  it,  and  will  be  most  likely  to  be 
expos'd  to  danger  in  case  any  design  be  formed  against  the  Coun- 
try. And  as  the  Trade  and  Business  of  this  Town  Labours  under 
great  Difficulties,  and  their  Circumstances  are  very  declining  by 
reason  whereof  so  great  a  Charge  would  be  almost  insupportable. 
It  would  be  a  high  Oliligation  upon  them,  if  this  Great  and  Gen- 
eral Court  in  their  Wisdom  and  Goodness  would  make  a  Grant  of  a 
Sura  of  Money  for  that  purpose,  but  if  this  should  not  be  thought 
convenient  —  It  is  most  Humbly  Requested,  That  the  Sum  of  Ten 
Thousand  Pounds  be  lent  b}"  the  Government,  to  be  paid,  in  some 
future  years,  and  in  such  Annual  proportion,  bj' the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton, as  by  the  Wisdom  of  the  Court,  shall  be  Juclg'd  most  proper. 
Said  Town  having  made  a  Computation  and  found  that  this  Sum 
is  necessary  to  put  it  into  a  defensible  State. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  William  Salter  be  One  of  the  Assessors  for  the 
year  ensuing,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Jacob  Holyoke,  who  was  excused 
from  that  service. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  who  shall  be  Chosen  to  Visit  the 
Schools  from  time  to  time,  do  Report  to  the  Town,  the  Circum- 
stances in  which  they  shall  find  the  said  Schools. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  William  Salter  be  excused  from  Serving  the 
Town  as  an  Assessor  this  year,  for  Reasons  by  him  given. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  until  Wednesday  next, 
at  Nine  of  the  Clock,  A.  M. 

[too.]     Wednesday,  April,  3(5. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  according  to  Adjournm'. 

The  Committee  for  Effecting  the  Fortifications  presented  their 
Report  respecting  the  Materials,  and  Method  of  Building,  Which 
was  Read.  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  and  Desire  of  the  Town,  of  the  29th  of 
March  last.  The  Committee  taking  with  them  Several  of  the  Masons 
&  Carpenters  of  the  Town,  Who,  after  Viewing  the  place  assigned 
for  Erecting  the  North  Battery,  have  Computed  the  Cost  and 
Charge  of  Building  the  Foundation  Five  feet  in  heighth,  with 
Stone  and  Wood. 

If  with  Stone,  The  Front  Wall  to  be  Eight  feet  thick,  with  an 
inner  Wall  of  Three  feet,  A  Space  of  Four  feet  between  the  Walls, 


Boston  Towk  Eecords,  1734.  77 

Which  Work  -will  demaQcI  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  and  Eighteen 
pounds. 

If  done  with  Timber,  defended  against  the  Worms,  Sis  Hundred, 
Forty  Seven  pounds. 

The  Difference  between  Wood  and  Stone  is  Three  Hundred, 
Seventy  One  pounds. 

Upon  Searcliing  the  Bottom  or  Flats  where  the  South  Battery  is 
to  be  Built,  the  Ground  is  so  loose  that  a  Pole  was  run  down  in 
several  places,  Ten  feet  at  least.  But  that  about  Two  Hundred 
feefEasterly  from  the  South  Batter^',  or  Sconce,  is  a  good  Founda- 
tion, and  not  nearer,  on  any  of  the  Flats  thereabouts,  Either  on 
the  East  or  West  Side  of  Fort-point  Channel  for  Stone. 

By  Order  of  the  Committee, 

Boston  Apr.  3.  1734.  Elisha  Cooke. 

[lOlo]     After  Debate  thereon, 

A  Question  was  put,  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  will  Reconsider  the  Vote,  passed  the  15th 
March  last.  Affixing  the  Fortification  on  the  East  Side  of  Fort- 
point  Channel  ? 

It  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

After  which  the  following  Question  was  put.  Viz'. 

Whether  You  will  have  an  Alteration  of  the  Place  fixed  upon, 
by  the  Vote  of  the  loth,  of  March  last,  for  the  South  Battery? 

It  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  now  come  to  a  determination  of  a 
Place,  Whereon  to  Erect  a  Fortification  at  the  South  part  of  the' 
Town. 

Immediately  after  which.  Upon  a  Motion  made,  and  Seconded. 
by  many. 

The  following  Vote  was  put.  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  would  adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Frydny  next,. 
in  Order  then  to  come  to  a  Determination  of  a  Place  for  Erecting- 
a  Fortification  at  the  South  End  of  the  Town? 

A  Handy  Vote  being  tried  Twice,  and  remaining  Doubtful,  it  was 
afterwards  decided  by  Poll. 

The  Number  of  Voters,  were,  175.  Of  whom  89  were  for  a 
present  or  immediate  Determination,  and  86  were  for  defering  it 
until  Fryday  next. 

[103.]     Upon  which.  The  Following  Question  was  put,  viz'. 

Whether  the  Place  for  Erecting  the  South  Batterj'  shall  be,  TwO' 
Hundred  feet  East  from  the  Sconce  long  since  built  there,  Or  the 
Soutli  Battery  so  called?     And  — 

It  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Market  shall  be  Opened,  Or,  Commence,  on 
Monday,  the  Twentieth  day  of  May,  next  ensuing  :  Public  Notice 
thereof  being  given  Ten  days  before  the  said  Time 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Four  of  the 
Clock   p.  m. 

Being  again  Assembled, 

Voted,  To  R(;consider  the  Vote  for  fixing  the  additional  Row  of 
Trees  (to  be  planted  in  the  Common)  on  the  East  side  of  those 
already  planted. 


78  City  Document  No.  <)6. 

And  Upon  Consideration  had 

Voted,  That  the  additional  Row  of  Trees  to  be  planted  in 
the  Common,  shall  be,  On  the  West  side  of  those  already 
planted  there,  from  the  Burying  place  to  Mr.  Sheafe's  And 
at  such  distance  from  the  other  Row,  as  the  Select  Men  shall 
think   fit. 

Voted,  That  the  Foundation  of  the  North  &  South  Fortificatious 
shall  be  laid  with  Stone  —  as  projected  in  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee, made  this  Day. 

[103.]  Voted,  That  the  Heighth  of  the  Stone  Work  to  be  laid 
for  a  Foundation  of  the  Fortifications,  be  left  to  the  discretion  of 
the  Committee  for  Building  them. 

Voted,  To  Reconsider  the  Vote  of  a  Petition  to  the  General 
Court,  as  Enter'd  on  Fryday  the  29th.  of  March  last. 

It  being  Considered  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  Application  be  made  to  the  Great  and  General 
Court,  at  their  next  Sessions,  for  a  Grant  of  Ten  Thousand 
Pounds,  to  Enable  the  Town  to  Effect  the  Fortifications  propos'd 
to  be  Erected  for  their  Defence,  to  be  repaid  by  the  said  Town  in 
such  Annual  proportions  as  the  Court  shall  order  and  direct. 

Voted,  To  leave  the  Draught  of  an  Address  to  the  General 
Court,  with  the  Hon'''''  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  Moderaf"  and  the  Select 
Men. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  &  Impower'd  to  Borrow 
Mone}-,  for  a  present  Supply,  for  the  Speedy  carrying  on  the  said 
Work  of  Fortifications,  upon  the  Credit  of  this  Town's  Grant  of 
Ten  Thousand  Pounds  for  that  service,  the  20th,  of  March  last. 

Upon  a  Motion,  and  at  the  Desire  of  the  Select  Men. 

Voted,  To  Reconsider  the  foregoing  Vote. 

Which  being  accordingly  done. 

Voted  That  the  Hon*"'"  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq"*  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be  Desired  and  Impower'd  to  Borrow  Money  (upon  the  Credit 
of  this  Town's  Grant  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds,  on  the  20th.  of 
March  last,  appropriated  to  the  use  of  Fortifying  the  Town)  for  a 
present  Supply,  and  the  [104,]  Speedy  carrying  on  the  Said 
Work. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Twenty  five  Pounds 
be  AlloAv'd  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  the  Hon'''''  Joseph 
Wadsworth  Esq'",  for  His  Service  in  that  Office  the  Year  past. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Visit  the  several 
Public  Schools  in  this  Town,  taking  with  them  Such  Gentlemen 
as  They  shall  think  proper. 

Mess™  Daniel  Ballard  Jun'' 

Andrew  Sigourney,  and 
John  Potwine, 

Were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market,  in  the  Room  of  Mess"  True, 
Boucher  and  Hill. 

The  Hon  John  Osborne  EsqT 

Richard  Bill  Esq' 

William  Tyler  Esq' 

Hugh  Hall  Esq'  and 

Mr.  Nathan ael  Cunningham. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1734.  79 

Were   Chosen   and   Appointed   to   Audit  the   Town   Treasurer's 
Accounts. 

Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Jun''  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Auditors  of 
the  Town  Treasurer's  Accounts,  in  the  room  of  William  Tyler  Esq'' 
Who  was  excused  from  that  Service  for  Reasons  by  Him  given. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  Presented  to  the  Hon- 
ourable Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  for  the  great  Pains  He  has  taken,  as 
Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

[105.]  The  Copy  of  an  Address  presented  by  the  Select-Men, 
To  the  Great  and  General  Court,  agreeable  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town, 
the  Third  of  April,  1734.     Viz' 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq'"  Captain  General 
and  Goveruour  in  Chief,  The  Hon'''"  the  Council,  and  House 
of  Representatives,  in  General  Court  Assembled,  April,  10. 
1734. 
The  Representation  and  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
Humbly  Sheweth 

That  the  prospect  of  War  in  Europe  makes  it  exceeding 
necessary  that  this  Town  be  put  into  a  proper  posture  of  Defence 
and  Offence,  And  inasmuch  as  the  Fortifying  the  same  will  greatly 
tend  to  the  Safety,  Peace  &  Welfare  of  the  whole  Province,  And 
should  War  break  out,  and  any  design  be  formed  against  this 
Country,  in  great  probability,  Boston  will  be  first  attacked,  & 
obliged  to  sustain  the  strongest  Efforts  of  an  Enemy. 

It  is  therefore  most  Humbly  Requested,  That  Your  Excellency, 
and  Honours,  would  Grant  a  Sum  of  Money  for  that  purpose. 

But  if  at  this  present  Juncture,  the  situation  of  the  Public 
Affairs  cousider'd,  the  Great  and  General  Court  should  not  think 
it  adviseable  so  to  Order  ; 

It  is  then  Earnestly  Desired,  That  the  Court  would  be  pleas'd  to 
Grant  the  Sum  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds,  in  public  Bills  of  Credit, 
out  of  the  Province  Treasury,  to  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  to  Enable  them  to  Effect  such  necessary  Works, 
And  Subject  the  Town  by  an  Act  or  Law  to  Repay  said  Sum  into 
the  Public  Treasury,  in  some  future  Years,  in  such  Annual  Pro- 
portion as  by  the  Wisdom  of  the  Court  shall  [106.]  Be  Judged 
reasonable  ;  For  that  the  Town  of  Boston,  could  they  esteem  it 
but  Just  and  Reasonable  to  engage  in  this  Business  at  their  own 
Cost  and  Charge,  Yet  they  are  in  no  measure  capable,  to  Raise  so 
great  a  sum  o-f  Money,  and  subject  themselves  to  the  payment 
thereof  in  so  short  a  time,  as  the  carrying  an  end  such  an  Affair 
will  require. 

B}'  Order  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston ^^ regularly 
Assembled  in  a  Public  Town  Meeting,  April,  3d.  1734. 

John  Jeffries, 
Edward  Bromfield, 
William  Downe, 

Jonathan  Armitage,     )■   Select-Men. 
David  Collson, 
Joshua  Winslow, 
Alexander  forsytii, 


80  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

[107.]  At  a  MeetinjT  of  the  Freeholders,  and  other  luhabi- 
tauts  of  the  Town  of  Boston  dnly  Qualified,  and  Warned  accord- 
ing to  Law,  being  regularly  Assembled  in  a  Public  Town  Meeting, 
at  the  Town  House,  on  Wednesday  April,  24th.  1734. 

Voted,  That  the  Honourable  Thomas  Fitch  Esq''  be  the  Moderator 
of  the  present  Meeting. 

Peter  Briton's  Petition.     Read. 

The  Select  Men  informing  the  Town  that  They  had  presented 
to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  a  Scheme  for  set- 
ting up,  and  regulating  Public  Markets,  according  to  a  Vote  of  the 
last  Meeting  ;  and  that  they  had  attended  the  Court,  and  Observed 
that  Exceptions  were  taken  to  some  parts  of  the  said  Scheme,  by 
some  of  the  Members  of  said  Court,  tho'  nothing  had  been  passed 
by  the  Court  thereon  : 

Wherefore  the  Town  Euter'd  into  the  further  Consideration  of 
the  Affair  of  a  Market. 

And  after  some  Debate, 

A  Scheme  for  setting  up,  and  Regulating  of  Markets  in  this 
Town,  was  prepar'd,  and  Read. 

And  is  as  follows,  Viz' 

Whereas,  The  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  Labour  under  many 
hardships  and  difficulties  for  want  of  an  Open  public  Market  un- 
der good  regulation.  Where  [108.]  Every  One  may  resort  at 
Stated  Convenient  places  within  the  Town  to  buy  and  sell  several 
sorts  of  Provisions. 

For  Remedy  thereof, 
It  is  Voted,  and  Ordered. 

That  Three  places  be,  and  hereby  are  at  present  assigned  for 
the  aforesaid  Market,  and  that  they  may  be  made  fit  and  commo- 
dious for  the  reception  of  Such  as  from  time  to  time  may  bring 
their  commodities  there  for  Sale,  That  the  Sum  of  Seven  Hundred 
Pounds  be  allow'd  &  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  Thomas 
Fitch,  Edward  Hutchinson,  Thomas  Palmer,  Jacob  Wendell  "Esq" 
Mess"  Nathanael  Cunningham,  James  Watson,  Francis  Wil- 
loughby  and  John  Steel,  to  enable  them  to  Effect  the  Buildings, 
and  other  necessarys  at  the  Three  several  places  assigned  for  that 
use.  And  that  a  peice  of  Land  bounded  Easterly  on  Land  in  pos- 
session of  Theophilus  Lillie,  there  measuring  One  Hundred  Twenty 
seven  feet ;  Southerly  on  the  Plate,  of  Jonathan  Willis,  there 
measuring  Sixty  eight  feet.  Six  inches  ;  then  bounded  Westerly 
on  Land  of  Samuel  Welles  Esq'"  there  measuring  Seventy  One 
feet ;  And  Southerly  on  Land  of  Said  Welles,  there  Measuring 
Fifty  eight  feet,  six  inches  ;  Fronting  on  the  Main  Street  leading 
to  Roxbury  known  by  the  name  of  Orange  Street,  over  against 
the  House  and  Land  of  Thomas  Downe  there  measuring  seventy 
feet;  Is  pitch'd  upon  for  One  of  the  places  —  That  the  Town's 
Ground  or  open  space  on  the  Town  Dock  or  Wharf  commonly 
called  Dock  Square,  be  another  place  —  And  that  the  Open  Space 
before  and  about  the  Old  North  Meeting  House  is  fixed  upon  and 
determined  for  the  Third  place,  Where  the  Market  is  to  be  kept 
and  carried  on. 

[109.]     That  Capt  James  Watson  be,  and  hereby  is  Consti- 


Boston  Tovw  Eecords,  1734.  81 

tuted  and  Appointed  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market,  to  attend 
at  the  vacant  place  on  the  Town  Dock,  Mr.  Francia  Willoughby 
another  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market,  to  be  and  attend  at  Mr. 
Willis's  Land  ;  and  Capt.  John  Steel  is  Chosen  and  Appointed 
the  other  Clerk  of  the  Market,  at  the  open  space  before  and  about 
the  Old  Xorth  Meeting  House  ;  Who  are  to  be  and  remain  in  their 
Ofl3ce  as  Clerks  of  the  Market,  until  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
P'reeholders,  and  Inhabitants  in  March  next,  and  until  Others  are 
Chosen,  and  Appointed  in  their  Room,  and  to  have  and  receive 
Such  Salary  for  their  Service  as  shall  be  then  Voted  them  by  the 
Town  ;  Who  are  to  give  their  constant  attendance,  at  the  Opening 
of  the  Market,  And  there  abide  during  the  Continuation  thereof, 
And  take  effectual  Care,  that  the  several  Rules,  Orders,  and 
Directions  for  the  regulating  and  more  orderly  carrying  on  the 
Market,  be  duly  observed  and  kept. 

Ordered. 

That  Every  Day  in  the  Week  Except  the  Lord's  Day,  or  other 
Days  set  apart  by  this  Government  for  Religious  Service,  be  a 
Market  Day,  and  that  a  Bell  be  daily  rung  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Market,  which  shall  be  at  at  the  rising  of  the  Sun,  thro'  the  whole 
year,  from  which  hour  'till  the  hour  one  post  meridiem  shall  forever 
here  after  be  deemed  and  held  Market  Hours.  And  if  any  Person 
or  Persons,  being  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  Shall,  from  and  after 
the  time  of  the  first  Opening  the  Market,  Sell,  or  put  to  Open 
Sale,  in  the  said  several  Markets,  or  Either  of  them,  au}^  manner 
of  provisions  or  other  eatable  Commodities,  Or,  shall  buy  any  of 
them  before  the  Ringing  of  the  Market-bell,  Such  Offender  or 
Offenders  being  thereof  convict,  shall  forfeit  and  paj'  a  Fine  of 
Ten  Shilliligs.  [llOo]  For  every  such  Offence  ;  And  if  any  such 
Person  or  Persons  shall  presume  to  cheapen,  or  buy  any  Flesh, 
Fowles,  Butter,  Eggs,  or  other  provisions  (excepting  such  Provi- 
sion and  particulars  as  hereafter  are  declared  to  be  always  ex- 
cepted) Or,  make  any  previous  Contract  touching  the  same  with 
any  Seller,  Or  buy  the  same  in  any  other  place  than  in  One  of 
the  Markets,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for  every  such  Offence,  being 
thereof  duly  convicted,  the  sum  of  Ten  Shillings. 

Provided  always,  any  thing  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 
That  Every  Butcher  being  an  Inhabitant  of  Boston,  may  lawfully 
sell  his  meat  as  practised  heretofore.  And  all  Grain,  Flower,  But- 
ter in  Firkins,  Pork,  Beef,  Cheese,  Meat  or  Fish  salted  in  Barrels 
imported  by  Sea  into  this  Town,  may  be  sold  and  exposed  for  Sale 
as  heretofore  usually  practised,  any  thing  before  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding. 

That  all  sorts  of  Fish  brought  by  Water,  may  be  sold  at  the 
Wharves,  and  places  usually  improved  for  that  purpose  as  here- 
tofore, any  By-Law  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding.  But  all  Fish 
caught  in  Rivers,  Ponds  and  Brooks,  shall  be  brought  into,  and  sold 
in  one  or  more  of  the  said  Markets,  Frost-fish  and  Smelts  excepted. 

Provided  also.  That  Grain,  Meal,  Apples,  Onions,  Turnips,  and 
all  sorts  of  Roots,  Fruit  and  Herbs,  brought  into  the  Town  by 
Land  carriage,  may  be  sold  and  exposed  to  Sale  as  formerly  prac- 
tised, any  thing  herein  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 


82  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Provided  likewise,  That  Bread,  Milk,  Cider,  Swioe  brought  into 
the  Towu  alive,  and  Wild  Pigeons.  [111.]  May  be  sold  and 
exposed  to  Sale,  as  heretofore,  any  thing  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. 

It  is  further  Ordered,  That  if,  any  Retailer,  Hucster  or  other 
Person,  being  an  Inhabitant  of  said  Town,  shall  by  any  Flesh, 
Fish,  Fowles,  Eggs,  Butter,  Cheese,  or  any  other  sort  of  Provisions 
Saleable  in  the  Market,  And  by  these  Orders  ought  there  to  be 
brought  in  order  to  Retail  the  same,  until  after  One  of  the  Clock  as 
aforesaid.  Such  Person  or  Persons  so  doing,  shall  forfeit  and  pay 
the  sum  of  Twenty  Shillings,  for  every  such  Offence. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  time 
being,  shall  take  especial  care,  that  the  Laws  of  the  Province,  and 
the  Orders  of  this  Town  legally  confirm'd  respecting  any  unwhol- 
some  or  blown  Victuals,  offered  to  Sale,  be  duly  put  in  Execution. 

That  No  Cart  or  Team  belonging  to  any  Inhabitant  of  the  Towu 

of  Boston,  be  allowed  to  stand  near  the  Entrance  of  the  Market- 

'  place  or  places,  but  shall  immediately  depart  upon  Order  of  the 

Clerk  of  the  Market  to  the  Owner,  or  Driver  so  to  do,  under  the 

penalty  of  Five  Shillings  for  refusal,  or  neglect  thereof. 

That  proper  persons  be  appointed  to  keep  clean  the  Markets, 
and  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  in  their 
so  doing,  and  shall  be  paid,  out  of  the  Towu  Treasury,  by  Order 
of  the  Select  Men. 

That  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  are  hereby  Required  and  Directed 
to  prosecute  any  Person  or  Persons  Trespassing  against  any  of  the 
Rules  or  Orders  before  mentioned,  and  that  the  said  Clerks  of  the 
Market,  or  [113,]  Any  other  Persons  who  shall  sue  for,  and  re- 
cover any  Fines,  Forfeitures,  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money,  Arising 
from  the  breach  of  any  of  these  Orders,  Shall  be  intitled  to  receive 
the  value  of  One  half  of  the  Sum  so  recovered,  out  of  the  Towu 
Treasury. 

Provided  always.  Nothing  herein  Contained  be  intended,  meant 
or  construed,  to  abridge  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Rumney 
Marsh,  from  buying  or  Selling  any  Provisions  as  Usual  in  said 
District. 

It  is  Ordered,  That  the  Market  shall  be  Opened,  on  Tuesday,  the 
Fourth  day  of  June,  next  ensuing,  Notice  thereof  being  given  in 
the  Public  Prints  of  this  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Scheme  for  setting  up,  and  Regulating  Markets, 
as  now  Read,  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  present  the  Scheme  of 
a  Market  as  now  Voted,  To  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  at  their  Adjournment,  on  Monday 
next,  for  Their  Approbation. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Peter  Briton  —  After  Considerable  Debate 
thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof,  be  refer'd  to  the 
next  Town  Meeting 

Voted,  That  all  other  things  refer'd  to  this  Meeting  for  further 
Consideration,  be  also  continued  to  the  next  Meeting 

Then  the  Meetino;  was  Dismist. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  83 

[113.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  Warned  as  the 
Law  Directs,  being  regularly  Assembled,  in  a  Publick  Town  Meet- 
ing, at  tlie  Town  House,  On  Wednesdaj-,  the  8th  of  May,  Anno 
Domini,  1734. 

After  Prayer  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Charles  Chauncey. 

The  Law  being  Read,  Directing  that  Town  Meetings  for  Choice 
of  Representatives  be  regulated  by  the  Select  Men. 

A  Question  was  put.  Viz' 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  will  now  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a 
Moderator  for  this  Meeting? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Hou''^®  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  be  the  Moderator  for 
the  Present  Meeting. 

Sundry  Petitions  were  Read.  Viz' 

Of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  for  widening  Common  Street,  and  part 
of  Frog  Lane. 

Of  William 'Parkman  and  others  for  Liberty  to  Lay  down  Ways, 
at  the  Slip  in  North  Street,  for  Accomodation  of  the  Ferry. 

Of  George  Steuart  and  Joseph  Cowell,  for  removing  the  Gun 
House  in  the  Common. 

Of  Thomas  Moulin  &c.  Sextons,  for  Liberty  to  Dig  in  the 
Burying  Grounds. 

Of  Matthias  Cowdery  and  Others,  Watchmen,  for  addition  to 
their  Allowance. 

Of  Samuel  Hoyoke,  for  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

Of  Peter  Britton,  That  liis  former  Petition  may  be  considered, 
And  himself  released  from  Prison. 

Of  Daniel  Pecker  &c.  Collectors,  That  the  Assessors  [114,]  May 
have  libertj'  to  make  reasonable  abatements  on  the  Taxes  of  the 
last  year. 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion  made  a  Motion,  That  the  Town  would  give 
Instructions  to  their  Representatives,  relating  to  the  Fines  of  the 
Militia. 

Voted,  To  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 

The  Voles  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be 604. 

And  that  upon  sorting  them,  the  Three  following  Gentlemen 
were  duly  Elected  b}'  a  Major  part  of  the  Voters.  Viz' 

The  Hon'''*  Elisha  Cooke  Esq'' No.  of  Votes  346. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Jun' 574. 

Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher 317. 

Voted,  To  defer  the  Choice  of  the  Fourth  Representative,  till 
the  Afternoon. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  of  the  Clock,  p.m. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment,  Proceeded 
to  the  Choice  of  One  Representative. 

The  Number  of  Voters  were 603. 

The  Votes  being  Sorted,  it  appear'd,  That 

Samuel  Welles  Esq"  was  duly  Elected  by  a  Major  part  of  the 

Voters Number  of  Votes,  302. 


84:  City  Docu]ment  No.  QQ. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  and  directed  to  prepare 
the  Draught  of  a  Petition,  to  be  Presented  to  the  Great  and  Gen- 
eral Court.  [115.]  At  their  next  Sessions,  For  a  Grant  of  the  Sum 
of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds,  to  Enable  the  Town  to  Erect  Fortifi- 
cations for  their  defence  and  safety. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  for 
Widening  Common  Street,  and  part  of  Frog  Lane. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  Treat  with  the  Abutters,  and 
make  Report  thereon,  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  Or,  at 
the  next  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  Nathauael  Green  Esq"". 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  & 
Samuel  Adams  Esq''. 
be  a  Committee  for  the  P^nds  aforesaid. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Dr.  Steuartand  I.  Cowel  for  Removing  the 
Gun  House  in  the  Common. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired,  and  directed  to  Remove 

the  said  Gun  House  to  such  Place,  and  at  such  distance,  as  they 

shall  think  proper  and  convenient,  at  the  Charge  of  the  Petitioners. 

Upon    the   Petition   of  Mr.  William  Parkman   and  Others  for 

Liberty  to  Lay  down  Ways  for  accomodation  of  a  Ferry. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  Consider  the  subject  Matter, 
of  the  said  Petition,  and  Report  What  they  think  proper  for  the 
Town  to  do  thereon. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Lee, 

Anthony  Stoddard  Esq"^  & 
Mr.  John  Staniford, 
be  a  Committee  for  the  End  aforesaid. 

[116.]  Upon  Benjamin  Fisher's  Petition  for  Liberty  to  Erect 
a  Wind  mill  on  Forthill,  Refer'd  to  the  Select  Men  at  the  Meeting 
in  March  last,  to  consider  thereof  and  Report  thereon.  They  made 
Report  thereon  accordingly,  as  follows,  Viz' 

May.  3^.  1734. 
We  have  maturel}^  considered  the  Subject  of  the  above  Petition, 
and  are  of  Opinion,  that  it  be  dismist. 

John  Jeffries. 
Edward  Bromfield  Jun^ 
William  Dovoje. 
Jonathan  Armitage. 
David  Colson. 
Alexander  Forsyth. 
Which  being  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Said  Report  be  Accepted. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Moulin  &  Others  Sextons,  for 
Liberty  to  Dig  in  the  Burying  Grounds. 

Voted,  To  leave  the  same  to  the  Select  Men,  to  Order  and  Direct 
what  they  may  think  proper  to  be  done  in  that  affair. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Matthias  Cowdery  and  Others  Watchmen, 
for  Addition  to  their  Allowance. 

Voted,  That  it  be  referr'd  to  the  Select  Men,  to  consider  the  Sub- 
ject Matter  of  the  Said  Petition,  and  Report  thereon  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting,  or  at  the  next  Meeting. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  85 

The  Hon^^^  Elisba  Cooke  Esq"^  made  a  Motion  with  respect  to 
the  Encroachments  on  the  Rights  of  the  Town. 
[117.]     Mess"  Timothy  Barron. 

Nathanael  Wheeler. 
Seth  Foster,  and 
Caleb  Eea. 
Were  Chosen  to  serve  as  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  En- 
suing. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  until  Frj'day,  the  17th. 
Instant,  at  3  of  the  Clock,  p.  m. 

Fr3-day,  May,  17th. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according   to  Adjoui-nment. 

Voted,  That  this  present  Meeting  be  further  Adjourned,  until 
Tuesday  next,  the  21  si  of  May  current,  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in 
the  Morning. 

Tuesday,  May,  21st. 

The  Town  being  according  Assembled. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  8tb.  instant,  to  consider  the  sub- 
ject matter  of  the  Petition  of  William  Parkman,  and  others,  for 
Liberty  to  lay  down  Wa3"s  for  Accommodation  of  a  Ferry,  made 
Report  thereon  as  follows,  Viz' 

We  the  Subscribers  having  reed  the  aforewritteu  Vote  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  have  been  upon  and  viewed  the  several  Places 
that  were  recommended  to  the  Town  for  a  Ferry  Way  to  be  made 
down  to  the  Sea  for  the  more  Easy  Passing  Winisimet  Ferry,  and 
have  considered  the  Subject  Matter  of  the  Petition  now  Lying 
before  the  Town. 

And  are  humbly  of  Opinion,  That  the  Town  Slip  of  Land  at 
the  lower  End  of  North  Street  is  most  convenient  to  be  improved, 
as  a  Landing  Place  in  passing  Winisimet  [118.]  Ferry  so  called, 
and  that  the  said  Town  Slip  of  Land,  be  only  impi'oved  su  a 
Landing  place  on  this  Side  the  Ferry,  and  not  otherwise  cinam- 
ber'd,  Provided  the  Petitioners,  at  their  own  cost  and  Charge, 
make  and  Lay  Sufficient  Ways  for  the  said  Ferry  to  the  Satisfac- 
tion of  the  Select  Men. 

Dated  at  Boston  May  21st.  1734. 

Anthony  Stoddard. 
Thomas  Lee. 
John  Staniford. 

Upon  which  a  Question  was  put.     Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  will  Accept  the  Report  of  the  said 
Committee  ? 

It  passVl  in  the  Negative. 

Quest,  Whether  You  will  grant  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Peti- 
tion? 

It  pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Procter,  for  some  further  addi- 
tion to  his  Salary,  being  Read. 

A  Question  was  put  as  follows,  Viz 

Quest.  Whether  or  no,  You  are  Willing  to  Raise  the  Stipends, 


86  City  Document  No.   G6. 

Pay  or  Salarj-s  of  Your  Writing  Schoolmasters,  for  the  Year  Cur- 
rent ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Daniel  Pecker  &c.  Collect"  of  the  Taxes 
for  the  Year  1733. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  Granted.  And 
the  Assessors  have  accordingly  Liberty  Granted  them  to  sit  'till 
the  latter  end  of  July  next,  in  Order  to  make  such  abatements  on 
[119.]  The  said  Taxes,  as  to  them  shall  seem  just  &  reason- 
able. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Staniford  be  One  of  the  Assessors  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  now  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Mas- 
ter of  the  South  Grammar  School  by  Written  Votes. 

Mr.  John  Lovel  was  accordingly  Unanimously  Chosen  Master 
of  the  South  Grammar  School  in  this  Town,  to  Succeed  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Nathanael  Williams. 

Voted,  That  the  Stipend,  Pay  or  Salary,  with  the  Emoluments 
of  the  said  School,  now  belonging  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  the 
present  Master  thei'eof .  Shall  be  and  belong  to  the  said  Mr.  Lovel, 
for  the  Year  Current,  Or 'till  further  Order:  the  same  to  Com- 
mence, On  his  being  Introduced  to  the  said  Mastership. 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Si^  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  Pounds, 
to  be  Raised  on  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town,  for  the  Relief 
of  the  Poor,  defraying  the  Charge  of  the  Watches,  and  other 
necessary  Expences,  arising  within  and  for  the  Said  Town,  the 
Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  take  into  their  further  Considera- 
tion the  Petition  of  Peter  Briton. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  of  the  Clock 
afternoon. 

The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Effecting  the  Fortifications  of 
this  Town,  be  Directed,  That  when  They  have  Obtained,  Or,  may 
be  furnished  with  Money  for  the  present  carrying  on  the  Same, 
by  private  Loan,  [I'^O.  ]  They  do  apply  the  same, in  the  first  place, 
for,  and  towards  Laying  the  Foundation  of  the  North  Batter}'. 

The  Select  Men,  in  pursuance  of  a  Vote  of  this  Town  the  8th. 
Instant,  Having  prepared  an  Address,  to  the  Great  and  General 
Court,  the  same  was  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  further  desired,  and  directed,  to 
Sign  the  Said  Address,  and  Present  the  same  to  the  Great  and 
General  Court,  at  the  next  Sessions. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meeting,  by  Mr. 
Joseph  Marion,  for  giving  Instructions  to  the  Representatives  of 
the  Town.     After  Debate  thereon. 

The  following  Question  was  put.  Viz' 

Quest.  Whether  You  do  Give  it  as  an  Instruction  to  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  this  Town,  That  they  shall,  to  the  utmost  of  their 
power  and  Skill,  Oppose  all  Motions  or  Endeavours,  for  the  Set- 
tling A  Salary  on  the  Governour  for  the  time  being? 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  87 

It  Pn,ss'd  in  the  Afflmative  Unanimousl}'. 

A  further  Motion  being  made  to  Give  Instructions  to  the  Eep- 
resentatives,  respecting  the  Fines  of  the  Militia 

The  Following  Question  was  put,  Viz' 

Quest.  "Whether  You  will  give  any  Instructions  to  Your  Repre- 
sentatives, respecting  the  Fines  of  the  Militia? 

[131.]     It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  To  Give  it  as  an  Instruction  to  the  Representatives  of 
this  Town,  To  Oppose  any  Bill  or  Bills  that  may  be  brought 
forward  in  the  Great  and  General  Court,  for  Raising  the  Fines  of 
the  Militia,  Unless,  in  the  said  Bill  there  be  a  Proviso  That  the 
Officer,  Or,  Officers,  to  whom  the  fines  of  Delinquents  are  paid. 
Shall  be  Accountable  therefor,  to  the  Treasurers  of  the  several 
Towns,  from  time  to  time. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

The  Copy  of  an  Address  Presented  to  the  Great  &  General 
Court,  by  the  Select  men  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  pursuant  to 
Votes  of  the  said  Town  the  8"^  &  2P'  of  May  1 734  —  Viz' 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq""  Capf"  General 
and  Govern''  in  Chief ;  The  Honourable  the  Council,  and  House 
of  Representatives,  in  General  Court  Assembled,  May  29"* 
1734. 

The  Representation,  and  Address  of  the  Town  of  Boston.  — 
Humbly  Shew^eth  — 

That  the  prospect  of  War  in  Europe,  renders  it  highly  Necessar3% 
That  this  Town  be  put  into  a  proper  posture  of  Defence,  and 
Offence ;  Forasmuch  as  (should  there  be  a  Rupture,  and  any 
Design  form'd  and  Executed  against  this  Country)  Boston  would, 
in  great  probability,  be  first  Attacked,  and  Obliged  to  Sustain  the 
strongest  Efforts  of  the  Enemy  :  And  whereas  the  Fortifjnug  the 
same,  will  greatly  promote  His  Majestj^'s  Honour  and  Dignity 
here,  much  tend  to  the  Safet}',  Peace,  and  Welfare  of  His  Good 
Subjects  throughout  this  Province,  And  also  be  for  the  security 
(1^3.)  Of  the  ver^'  valuable  Efi'ects  constantly  Lodg'd  in  this 
Place,  on  Account  of  His  Majesty's  good  Subjects  in  Great  Brit- 
ain. 

It  is  therefore  most  Humbly  Requested,  That  Your  ExcelP^  & 
Hon"  would,  out  of  your  Great  Goodness  Grant  a  Sum  of 
Money  for  that  Purpose. 

But  if  the  General  Court  should  not  think  proper  so  to  Order. — 

It  is  then  humbly  and  earnestly  intreated. 

That  yo^  ExcelP^  &  Hon"  would  be  pleased  to  Grant  the  Sum 
of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds,  in  Public  Bills  of  Credit  out  of  the 
Province  Treasury,  to  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Town  to 
Enable  tliem  to  Effect  such  necessary  Works,  and  subject  the 
Town  by  an  Act  or  Law  to  repay  said  Sum  into  the  Public 
Treasury'  in  some  future  Years,  in  such  annual  proportion,  as  by 
the  Wisdom  of  the  Court  shall  be  judged  most  reasonable.  — 

May  it  please  Yo^  Excellency  and  Honours  — 

We  cannot  but  humbly  Apprehend,  that  by  Yo",  favourable 
Regard  to  this  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  they  might  be  put 


88  City  Document  No.  66. 

into  such  a  state  of  Defence,  as  might  much  better  secure,  Not 
only  their  own  Peace  and  Welfare,  but  that  of  all  other  the  In- 
habitants of  this  His  Majesty's  Province  or  Territory. 

And  therefore,  could  it  be  thought  just  &  reasonable  for  the 
Town  to  Engage  in  this  Affair  at  their  own  Cost  and  Charge,  Yet 
they  are  at  this  Juncture  under  great  Necessity  to  make  this 
Humble  Application  to  Yo"".  Excellency  and  Honours  for  aid  and 
relief  on  this  Important  Occasion  —  Since  the  Trade  of  the  Town 
(their  only  support)  is  under  such  great  decay,  and  consequently 
the  Inhabitants  under  such  Impoverishing  Circumstances,  That  it 
is  impracticable  for  them  by  a  Present  Tax,  to  raise  so  large  a 
Sum,  as  is  absolutely  necessary,  to  Accomplish  this  great  Aff'air 
of  the  Fortifications. 

John  Jeffries. 

Edward  Bromfield. 

William  Downe. 

Jonathan  Armitage.     )■  Select  Men. 

David  Collson. 

Joshua  Winslow. 

Alexander  Forsyth. 

[133.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  Other  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  Duly  Qualified,  and  warned  as  the 
Law  directs  being  Regularly  AssemlDledin  a  Public  Town  Meeting, 
at  the  Town  House,  On  Tuesday,  June,  25"^  1734. 

Voted,  That  the  Hon^^"  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  be  Moderator  of  the 
Present  Meeting. 

Sundry  Petitions  were  Read,  Viz' 

Of  sundry  Inhabitants,  respecting  the  Town  Butchers  selling 
their   Meat   in   the   Publick    Markets. 

Of  Mr.  William  Parkman  and  Others  for  Liberty  to  lay  down 
Ways  at  the  End  of  North  street  for  Accommodation  of  the 
Ferry. 

Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  made  a  Motion,  That  the  Town 
would  take  into  Consideration,  the  Raising  of  Ten  Thousand 
Pounds  for  Effecting  Fortifications,  Which  was  Voted  at  a  Meeting, 
on  the  20*  of  March  last  past. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  the  8"^  of  May  last  on  the 
Aff'air  of  Widening  Common  Street,  and  Frog  Lane  —  Read. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  That  the  Town  would  come 
into  some  proper  Measures  to  prevent  the  Town  Butchers  from 
Selling  their  Meat  in  the  Publick  Markets  —  Read  and  debated 
on. 

■  Voted,  To  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  to  Consider 
the  subject  Matter  of  the  said  Petition,  And  what  They  think 
proper  for  the  Town  to  do  in  that  Affair ;  and  Report  the  same  at 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted  That  the  Select  Men  be  the  said  Committee. 
[124.]     Upon  the  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  to  Con- 
sider the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  for  Widening  Commou 
Street,  and  part  of  Frog  Lane. 

The  following  Questions  was  put,  Viz* 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  89 

Quest.     Whether  the  Town  would  take  into  further  Considera- 
tion the  affair  of  Widening  Coromon  Street,  and  Frog  Lane? 
It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

The  Petition  of  IMr,  William  Parkman  and  Others  for  Liberty  to 
lay  down  and  maintain  Good  and  Sufficient  Ways,  for  Accommoda- 
tion of  the  Ferry,  at  the  End  of  North  street,  Read  again,  as  fol- 
lows, Viz'. 

Boston,  June  17.  1734. 
To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 

Whereas  at  the  last  Town  Meeting,  Our  Petition  for  Liberty  to  lay 
down  Ways  at  the  lower  end  of  North  Street  was  not  Granted. 

We  whose  Names  are  here  unto  Subscribed  with  Others,  Desire 
Libert}-  to  Lay  down,  and  Maintain  for  Twent}'  or  Thirty  j^ears, 
Good  and  Sufficient  Ways,  for  the  Landing  of  Passengers  from 
Winisimet,  at  the  Towns  Slip  at  the  lower  End  of  North  Street,  To 
the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men,  during  said  Term. 

William  Parkman. 
Eli  AS  Pakkman, 
Thomas  Stoddard. 
John  Geeenough. 
John  Baker  jun"^. 
Newman  Greenodgh. 

[125.]  Voted  That  the  Prayer  of  this  Petition  be  Granted. 
And,  That  the  Petitioners  William  Parkman,  and  his  Associates, 
accordingly  have  Liberty  to  Lay  down  the  said  Wa3's,  at  the  Towns 
Slip,  at  the  lower  End  of  North  Street,  for  the  Landing  of  Pas- 
sengers from  Winisimet :  Provided  —  They  make  them  Good  and 
Sufficient,  And  Maintain  them  for  the  full  Term  of  Thirty  Years 
next  coming,  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  for  the  Time  being, 

The  Hon''^^  Thomas  Fitch,  and  Jacob  Wendell  Esq''^  with  sundrj^ 
Other  Proprietors  of  the  Long  Wharf.  Presented  a  Memorial  or 
Petition  to  the  Select  Men,  E)esiring  it  might  be  inserted  in  the 
Warrant  for  calling  the  next  Town  Meeting.  In  Order  to  Obtain 
Leave  of  the  Town,  to  make  out  an  Addition  of  Ten,  Twelve,  or 
Fourteen  feet  to  the  said  Wharf  to  make  the  same  more  suitable 
and  substantial  for  the  planting  A  Line  of  Guns  thereon. 

The  said  Memorial,  or  Petition  being  Read 

The  Following  Question  was  put,  Viz' 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  would  take  the  said  Petition  into 
Consideration  ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  the  Hou'^'^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  as 
enter'd  the  H""  of  May  1734.  Respecting  the  Encroachments  made 
on  the  Rights  of  the  Town  —  The  Town  now  came  into  the  Con- 
sideration of  the  said  Motion,  and 

Voted  That  Mess".  Joseph  Marion 

[126.]  John  Walivcr 

William  Stoddard 
Jeffery  Bedgood  & 
Bryant  Parott 


90  City  Document  No.  ()6. 

be  a  Committee  to  Prosecute  in  the  Law,  all  Such  Persons  as  have 
made  Encroachments  on  the  Town's  Rights. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  next,  at  Five 
of  the  Clock,  p.  m. 

Fryday,  June  28'^.  1734. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Select  Men,  who  were  appointed  a  Committee,  the  25'^.  in- 
stant, to  Consider  the  Subject  Matter  of  the  Petition  of  Sundry 
Inhabitants,  Praying  the  Town  to  come  into  some  proper  Measures 
to  prevent  the  Town  Butchers  from  Selling  their  Meat  in  the 
Public  Markets  ;  And  to  Think  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Town 
to  do  thereon,  Having  accordinglj'  prepared  a  Vote  respecting  the 
same.  They  presented  it  to  the  Town  for  their  Consideration,  in 
Order  to  its  being  made  a  By-Law.     Which  is  as  follows,  Viz* 

Whereas  it  is  found  by  Experience,  That  the  Public  Markets 
lately  Established  in  the  Town  of  Boston  (which  were  chiefly 
designed  for  the  Accommodation  of  the  Country  People)  are  verj^ 
mucli  incumber'd  by  the  Butchers  dwelling  within  the  said  Town, 
bringing  their  Meat  there  to  Sell. 

[137.]     For  Remedy  thereof. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered.  That  no  Butcher,  being  an  Inhabitant 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  Shall,  either  by  himself  or  his  Servant,  or 
any  other  Person  employed  by  him  bring  any  sort  of  Provisions 
into  any  of  the  said  Places  assigned  for  the  Markets,  there  to  Sell, 
or  Expose  the  same  to  Sale. 

And  if  any  Butcher  either  by  himself,  his  Servant  or  any  other 
Person,  as  aforesaid,  from  and  after  the  Eighth  day  of  July  next, 
Shall  presume  to  bring  any  Sort  of  Provisions  into  any  of  the  said 
Markets,  and  sell,  or  expose  the  same  to  Sale  there,  Or  within  the 
bounds  &  limits  thereof.  And  be  duly  convicted  of  the  same.  He 
or  She  so  Offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Shil- 
lings for  every  such  Offence :  Any  By-Law  of  this  Town  to  the 
Contrary  Notwithstanding. 

The  which  Vote,  as  now  enter'd,  being  Read  — 

Voted  —  That  the  same  be  accepted,  contii-med  and  Established. 

Voted  —  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  present  the  said  Vote 
or  By-Law  (to  prevent  the  Town  Butchers  from  Selling  their  Meat 
in  the  Public  Markets)  to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace,  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  at  their  next  Sessions  for 
Approbation. 

The  Select  Men  further  Reported,  as  follows,  Viz* 

The  Select  Men  are  of  Opinion,  That  upon  Application  made  by 
the  Butchers,  it  may  be  adviseable  for  the  Town  to  build  Stalls  for 
them,  at  a  suitable  [138.]  Distance  from  the  several  Market 
places,  They  paying  a  reasonable  Monthl}'  Rent  for  the  same.  And 
to  be  under  the  Regulation  of  whom  the  Town  shall  think  fit  to 
Appoint. 

Which  being  Read  ;  The  Question  was  put,  as  follows.  Viz' 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  do  Accept  of  the  Report  of  the 
Select  Men,  relating  to  the  building  Stalls  for  the  Town  Butchers, 
upon  Application  roade  therefor? 


BosTox  Town  Eecords,  1734.  91 

Voted  —  In  the  Affirmative. 

Voted  —  That  the  Select  Men  for  the  time  being,  be  desired,  and 
Appointed  to  take  the  said  Affair  under  their  Care  and  Kegula- 
tion. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Treas""  WadsAvorth  at  the  Opening 
of  this  Meeting,  relating  to  a  Vote  of  this  Town,  pass'd  the  20"^ 
March  last,  for  the  Raising  Ten  Thousand  pounds  for  Fortifica- 
tions 

Voted  —  That  the  said  Motion  be  incerted  in  the  next  Warrants 

for  a  Town  Meeting That  so  the  same  may  properly  come 

under  consideration.  And  in  the  mean  time,  the  Select  Men  are 
directed  Not  to  deliver  the  Assessors,  the  said  Vote,  for  Raising 
Ten  Thousand  pounds  for  Fortifications,  until  that  Affair  has  been 
again  Considered  Accordingly. 

Whereas,  Mess"  David  Melvil  and  Matthias  Cowdery  have  been 
emplo3''d  as  Assistants  to  the  [1.39.]  Clerk  of  the  Market  in 
Dock  square. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Persons,  or  any  Other,  be  still  employ "d  in 
that  service  until  the  next  Town  Meeting ;  And  that  it  be  incerted 
in  the  Warrants,  in  Order,  for  the  Town  then  to  Consider  of  that 
Affair. 

The  Hon^^*^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  made  a  Motion,  which  was  sec- 
onded by  Mr  Thomas  Gushing,  For  an  Explanation  of  a  Vote  of 

this  Town,  pass'd,  and  enter'd  on  Tuesday  May,  21"  1734. 

Which  Vote  was  Read,  and  is  as  follows.  Viz' 

Voted,  To  give  it  as  an  Instruction  to  the  Representatives  of 
this  Town,  To  Oppose  any  Bill  or  Bills  that  ma}'  be  brought  for- 
ward in  the  Great  and  General  Court  for  raising  the  Fines  of  the 
Militia,  Unless  in  the  said  Bill  there  be  a  Proviso,  That  the  Officer 
or  Officers  to  whom  the  fines  of  Delinquents  are  paid,  shall  be  ac- 
countable therefor  to  the  Treasurers  of  the  several  Towns,  from 
time  to  time. 

Upon  which  the  following  Question  was  put.  Viz' 

Quest.  Whether  You  do  not  apprehend.  That  it  was  the  true 
intent  and  meaning  of  this  Town,  at  their  said  Meeting  and  in  the 
fore  recited  Vote,  That  Yo''.  Representatives  should  strenuously 

Oppose  the  Raising  of  the  Fines  of  the  Militia -But,  if  a  Bill 

was  likely  to  pass  for  that  End Then  they  should  Endeavour, 

That  a  clause  or  paragraph  should  be  brought  into  sucli  Bill,  to 
Oblige  the  Captains,  or  other  Officers  receiving  such  Fines,  to  be 
accountalile  to  the  Town  Treasurers  of  the  Several  Towns? 

Voted  —  In  the  Affirmative. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

[130.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  tlie  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  warned  as  the 
Law  directs,  l)eing  regularly  Assembled  in  a  public  Town  Meeting, 
at  tlie  Town  House,  on  Wednesday,    July  31.  1734. 

Voted  —  That  the  Ilon'^''^  Thomas  Fitch  Esq''  be  the  Moderator 
of  the  present  Meeting. 

A  Memorial  of  Thomas  Palmer  Esq''  and  Mr.  Henry  Gibbs, 
Read 

A  List  of  Encroaoliments  on  Town  Rights  —  Read. 


92  City  Document  No.  66. 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion  made  a  Motion,  Viz'  Tliat  the  Original 
Reports  of  Committees  respecting  Encroachments  on  Town  Riglits 
might  be  publicldy  Read,  before  the  Meeting  be  Dismist. 

Upon  a  Motion  of  Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  Respecting  the 
Vote  of  this  Town,  the  20*  of  March,  last,  for  Raising  the  Sum  of 
Ten  Thousand  pounds,  for  Erecting  Fortifications,  Which  said 
Motion  was  under  Consideration  at  the  last  Town  Meeting,  And 
referred  to  this  present  Meeting. 

The  said  Vote  for  Raising  the  sum  of  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  for 
Fortification,  as  entcr'd  the  20'^  March,  1733.  was  Read. 

Upon  which  the  following  Question  being  put.  Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town  to  Reconsider  the 
said  Vote  for  Raising  Ten  Thousand  Pounds  for  Fortifications? 

Voted  in  the  AflSrmative. 

[131.]  Quest.  Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town,  That  the 
Vote  for  Raising  Ten  Thousand  pounds  for  Fortifications  pass'd 
and  enter'd  the  20'''  of  March  last,  be  Reversed? 

Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  15"'  of  March  last  to  prepare 
Carriages  for  Mounting  the  Cannon  belonging  to  the  Town,  Pre- 
senting the  Acounts  of  their  Disbursements,  the  following  Ques- 
tion was  put.  Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  it  be  Your  mind.  That  the  Select  Men,  be  a 
Committee  to  Audit  and  Examin  the  said  Accounts,  And  upon 
their  finding  them  right  and  just,  that  the}^  talve  the  usual  method  for 
payment,  Viz'.  By  drawing  on  the  Town  Treasurer  for  the  same? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  a  Committee  to  receive  and  ex- 
amin the  Accounts  of  Disbursements  by  the  Committee  appointed 
the  15"'  of  March  last,  to  prepare  Carriages  for  Mounting  the  Can- 
non, And  that  they  Report  their  Opinion  thereon,  at  the  next 
Town  Meeting  ;  That  so,  suitable  provision  may  be  made  for  their 
payment. 

Whereas,  a  Committee  was  appointed  the  25"*  of  June  last,  to 
prosecute  in  the  Law,  all  such  Persons  as  have  made  Enci-oach- 
ments  on  the  Towns  Rights  —  And  they  have  desired.  That  par- 
ticular Instructions  may  be  given  them  relating  to  that  affair. 

Voted,  That  the  giving  Instructions  to  said  Committee,  ap- 
pointed to  prosecute  those  that  Encroach,  upon  the  Rights  [133.] 
Of  the  Town,  be  deferr'd  to  the  next  Town  Meeting.  And  in 
the  mean  time,  the  Select  Men  are  directed  to  prepare  Instructions 
for  the  said  Committee  accordingly,  and  to  lay  them  before  the 
Town,  at  their  next  Meeting  for  consideration. 

Upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Hon^'''  Thomas  Palmer  Esq''  and  Mr. 
Henry  Gibbs,  Read  again, 

Voted  —  That  the  said  Memorial  be  dismist,  For  that  the  Town 
are  of  Opinion,  the  Lands  or  Wharves  mentioned  therein,  belong 
to  the  Town  already. 

Whereas,  The  Alfair  of  an  Assistant  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Market 
on  Dock  Square  was  referr'd  to  the  Consideration  of  this  Meet- 
ing —  The  same  was  debated  —  And  the  Following  Question  was 
put,  Viz'. 


BosTOx  Town  Eecoeds,  1734.  93 

Quest.  Whether  it  be  Your  Mind  to  allow  any  Assistant  to  the 
Clerk  of  the  Market,  on  Dock  Square? 
Voted,  In  the  Negative. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

[133.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the 
Law  directs,  being  regularly  Assembled  in  a  Public  Town  Meeting,, 
at  the  Town  House,  On  Wednesday,  Aug.  28""  1734. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Moderator  for  this  Meeting  by  written  Votes. 

The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected  and  sorted,  it  appeared. 
That  the  Hon"^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq"  was  Chosen  Moderator,  by  a 
Majority  of  the  Votes. 

The  Select  Men  being  Appointed  the  3P'  of  July  last,  a  Com- 
mittee to  Receive  and  Examin  the  Accounts  of  a  Committee 
Chosen  the  15"'  of  March  last,  to  prepare  Carriages  for  mounting 
the  Cannon  belonging  to  the  Town  —  Reported,.  —  That  they  had 
accordingl}- Examin'd  the  said  Accounts  —  And  are  of  Opinion, 
That  the  Sura  of  Six  hundred  and  Sixty  nine  Pounds,  Twelve 
Shillings  and  Ten  pence,  is  justly  due  and  Owing  from  the  Town 
of  Boston  to  the  said  Committee. 

In  Consideration  of  the  Exi-»ences  of  the  Committee  for  pre- 
paring Carriages  for  the  Great  Guns,  amounting  to  the  sum  of  Sis 
Hundred  and  Sixty  Nine  pounds.  Twelve  Shillings  and  Ten  pence 
—  As  also  the  Committee  for  Effecting  the  Fortifications,  their 
Expences  for  a  Boat  Load  of  Stones,  and  other  Charges,  amount- 
ing to  about  Forty  five  pounds. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  Seven  Hundred  &  Fourteen  pounds- 
Twelve  Shillings  and  Ten  pence,  be  Raised  on  Polls  and  Estates, 
within  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Defraying  the  Charges  above  men- 
tioned. 

[134.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  (and  seconded)  to  Consider  of 
further  carrying  on  the  necessary  Fortifications  of  the  Town  — 
The  following  Question  was  put.  Viz' 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  will  come  into  the  further  Considera- 
tion of  the  AflTair  of  Fortifications  at  this  present  Meeting? 

Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  and  impowred  to  take 
the  Care  of,  and  Secure  the  Carriages  of  the  Cannon;  together 
with  the  other  Stores  of  War,  belonging  to  the  Town,  in  such 
Way  and  manner,  as  to  them  may  seem  best. 

The  Select  Men  being  Directed  to  prepare  Instructions  for  the 
Committee  appointed  to  prosecute  in  the  Law,  Such  as  have  made 
Encroachments  on  the  Towns  Rights,  Reported,  That  they  have' 
not  had  time  to  prepare  the  same. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Affair  be  referr'd  to  tlie  next  Town  Meet- 
ing—  And  the  Select  Men  are  Earnestly  desired,  and  directed,  in 
the  mean  time  to  prepare  the  said  Instructions,  and  to  lay  them 
before  the  Town,  at  the  said  Meeting,  for  their  Consideration 
Accordingly. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee,  to  Enquire  into  tlie  Complaints 
of  Sundry  Inliabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  relating  to  the  High 


94  City  Document  Xo.  66. 

Way  or  street  at  the  Southend,  leading  round  Windmill   Point, 
being  stopt  up. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Gardner, 
[135.]  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'' and 

Timothy  Clark  Esq"" 

be  the  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid And  that  They 

make  a  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  next  Meeting,  What  They 
think  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the  Law  directs, 
being  regularly  Assembled  in  a  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the 
Town  House,  on  Fryday,  December,  27"^  1734. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Moderator  by  a  Handy  vote. 

Voted,  That  the  Hon'^^'^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  be  the  Moderator  of 

the   Present   Meeting. Who  Accepted   that   Service    upon 

Condition,  that  He  might  withdraw,  if  the  Public  Affairs  should 
require  his  ntteudance  in  the  General  Court,  now  sitting. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants,  presented  to  the  Select 
Men,  relating  to  the  Demands,  made  in  the  Law,  b}'  James  Ever- 
ills  Heirs  —  Head. 

Mr.  Samuel  Gibson's  Petition  —  Read. 

The  Affairs  of  the  General  Court  requiring  the  present  Attend- 
ance of  the  Moderator,  He  accordingly  withdrew  —  Whereupon 
the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Another. 

Voted,  That  Capt  Nathauael  Cunningham  be  IModerator  of  this 
Meeting In  the  Room  of  the  Hon'''''  Elisha  Cooke  Esq" 

Upon  the  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  [136.] 
The  Demands  made  in  the  Law,  by  James  Everill's  heirs. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee,  to  make  diligent  and  strict 
search  into  the  Public  Records  of  the  Connty  &  Town,  That  so, 
what  relates  to  the  Demands  made  in  the  Law  by  James  Everill's 
Heirs,  may  fully  and  fairly  appear.  Agreeable  to  a  Petition  of 
Sundry  Inhabitants  presented  to  the  Select  Men. 

Voted  —  That  the  said  Committee  consist  of  five  Persons. 

Voted,  That  William  Stoddard  Esq'' 

Mess''^  Benjamin  Emmons, 
Joseph  Marion, 
Timothy  Prout,  and 
John  Walker, 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  directed  in  the  Name  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  To  Petition  the  General  Court,  that  the  Process 
in  several  Cases,  depending  between  this  Town,  and  Mr.  Everill's 
Heirs  may  be  staid,  that  so,  they  may  have  proper  Time  to 
prepare  for  their  defence. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

[137.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  at  the  Town  House,  upon  Thursday  the  16"'  of  January, 
1731  —  By  Virtue  of    a  Warrant   under  the  Hands  and    Seal  of 


Boston  Town  Kecokds,  1734.  95 

William  Dudley  and  Anthony  Stoddard  Esq""'  Two  of  His  Majesty's 
Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  Quorum  Unus  ;  In 
Order  to  the  Choice  of  a  Person  to  be  Register  of  Deeds  and  Con- 
veyances of  Land  in  the  said  County  in  the  Room  of  John  Ballan- 

tine  Esq''  Deceased Being  Lawfully  Warned  and  regularly 

Assembled. 

The  Freeholders  present,  Voted  To  Chuse  a  Moderator  for  the 
present  Meeting,  by  written  Votes. 

The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected,  it  appeared  That  Elisha 
Cooke  Esq''  was  Chosen  Moderator  by  a  Majority  of  Votes. 

Then  the  Freeholders  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a 
Register  of  Deeds  and    Conveyances  of   Land  in  the  Count}'  of 

Suffolk Which  Votes  being  Collected,  were  Sealed  up  in  the 

presence  of  the  Meeting  by  Abijah  Adams  One  of  the  Constables 
of  the  said  Town  of  Boston,  to  be  by  him  Kept,  &  returned  by 
him  to  the  Aforesaid  William  Dudley  and  Anthony  Stoddard  Esq' 
Pursuant  to  the  Directions  in  their  said  Warrant. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

[138.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the 
Law  directs,  being  Regularly  Assembled,  in  Public  Town  Meet- 
ing, at  the  Town  House,  Upon  Monday  March  10th.  1734. 

After  Prayer,  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Joshua  Gee. 

Voted,  That  Elisha  Cooke  Esq.  be  the  Moderator  of  the  Present 
Meeting. 

Sundry  Laws  Read 

Sundry  Petitions,  and  Proposals  Read  and  Motions  made.  Viz' 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  the  Markets. 
Proposals  to  prevent  the  growing  Charges  of  the  Town. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  Rumney  Marsh. 

Petitions     -     -     For  Paving  part  of  School  Street. 

-  -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -         Orange  Street. 

_     -     .     _     _         North  Street  &  Lynn  Street. 

-  -     __-------         Green  Lane. 

-  -     -     - Prince  Street. 

-  -     -     -     -     -     -     -     For  Ringing  the  South  Bell. 

-  -     -     -     Of  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson,  to  Augment  his  Salary. 

-  -     -     -     Of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke     -     -     -     Ditto. 
....     Of  Mr.  Zech-^  Hicks       -     -     -     -     Ditto. 

-  -     -     -     Of  Mr.  Sendall  Williams  -     -     -     Ditto. 

-  -     -     -     Of  the  Companys  belonging  to  the  Water  Engines- 
_     ...     Of  Mr.  Samuel  Clark. 

-  -     -     -     Of  Mr.  William  Rand. 

-  -     -     -     Of  Mrs.  Abihail  Chamberlain. 
Samuel  Checkley  Esq""  (County  Treasurer)  his  Letter. 
List  of  Encroachments  on  Town  Rights 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion's  Proposals. 

Mr.  Marion  made  a  Motion  relating  to  the  keeping  the  Streets 
clean. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  made  a  Motion  relating  to  his  Care  of  the 
Granary,  And  his  Allowance  therefor.  And  also  at  the  North  End. 


96  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

[139.]  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  made  a  Motion  also  relating 
to  the  Cow-Commonages. 

The  Select  Men  made  a  Motion  relating  to  the  Porters  on  the 
Town  Dock ;  It  being  the  Desire  of  Several  Merchants  that  the 
said  Porters  might  be  brought  under  some  proper  Regulation. 

Samuel  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
and  Sworn. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Seven  Select  Men.  Accordingly, 
John  Jeffries  Esq''. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esq''. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfeild. 
Capt.  William  Downe. 
Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage. 
Mr.  David  Collson,  and 
Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth. 
Were  Chosen  Select  Men,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Nine  Overseers  of  the  Poor.     And 
Jacob  Wendell  Esq'". 
John  Ruck  Esq'. 
Henry  Dering  Esq''. 
William  Tyler  Esq^ 
Mr.  John  Hunt. 
Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood. 
Capt.  JefFery  Bedgood. 
Capt.  John  Hill,  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard. 
Were  accordingly  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  for  y*  Year 
Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq""  be  the  Town  Treasurer  for 
the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  'till  Three  of  the  Clock  Afternoon. 

The  Town  being  again  Assembled. 
Voted,  To  Chuse  Seven  Assessors.      Accordingly. 
[140.]  Mess'^  Jonas  Clark. 

James  Watson. 
Daniel  Loriug. 
Peter  Thomas. 
Richard  Buckley. 
John  Staniford,  and 
Joshua  Blanchard. 
Were  Chosen  Assessors,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Voted,    To   Chuse  Collectors   of  the   Taxes,  distinct  from  the 
Constables. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Three  Collectors.    Accordingly. 
Capt.  Daniel  Pecker, 
Mr.  William  Rand,  and 
Capt.  Nathanael  Barber, 
Were  Chosen,  to  be  Collectors  of  the  Rates  and  Taxes  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

Voted,  that  Mr.  John  Brentnal  be  the  Collector  of  the  Rates  and 
Taxes  within  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh,  for  the  year  ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1734.  97 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Breutnal  be  the  Constable,  for  Rumney 

Marsh,  the  Year  Ensuing. Who  was  Accordingly  Sworn. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and  Flax,  by  a  Hand 
Vote,  Accordingly'. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  be  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and  Flax 
within  this  Town,  the  year  ensuing  And  Sworn. 
.     Voted,  To  Chuse  Twelve  Constables,         Accordingly 
Mess".  John  Collson, 

Benjamin  Fitch, 

Peter  Chardon, 

John  Gooch     --------- 

Thomas  Simpkins     -------      Sworn. 

Samuel  Green      --- Sworn. 

Joshua  Henshaw  Jun''.  ------ 

Edmund  Negus, -     -      Sworn. 

Samuel  Cravath  --------      Sworn. 

[141.]        Edward  Jackson 

Nathanael  Gardner  ------- 

Jeremiah  Green  -------- 

Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  ensuing  year. 
Voted,  That  Mess"  Elisha  Tuttle,  and 
Benjamin  Floyd, 
be  Fence  Viewers  in  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh. 
Voted,  That  Mess".  Robert  Levenston,  and 
Nathanael  Tuttle, 
be  Hogreves  for  Rumney  Marsh. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Pratt,  be  Surveyor  of  the  High  Wayjs 
in  Rumney  Marsh. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Hasey,  be  the  Sealer  of  Leather  in  the 

District  of  Rumney  Marsh for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Affairs  of  the  Market ;  The  Choice  of  County 
Treasurer ;  And  the  Proposals  to  prevent  the  growing  Charges  of 
the  Town,  be  brought  under  Consideration  Tomorrow  Morning,  at 
Nine  of  the  Clock  And  in  the  same  Order  as  they  stand  now 
entred. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men,  or  some  or  them,  be  desired  to 
wait  on  the  Committee  of  the  Old  South  Meeting  House,  And 
Desire  that  the  Town  may  Meet  therein  Tomorrow  Morning,  if 
there  should  be  Occasion  for  it.  And  if  they  should  Refuse  the 
same.  Then  that  they  take  some  prudent  care  that  the  Meeting 
may  be  held  in  One  or  Other  of  the  Places  of  Publick  Worship 
within  the  Town. 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of 
Rumney  Marsh,  Read  again.         And 

Upon  the  Motion,  and  at  the  Instance  of  Samuel  Watts  Esq''. 
Mr.  Jacob  Hasey  and  Others,  Principal  Subscribers  to  the  said 
Petition,  it  was. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  take  the  said  Petition  under 
Consideration,  Who  are  to  Report  [142.]  To  the  Town  at  thei? 
Annual  Meeting  in  March  next,  What  they  think  proper  for  the 
Town  to  do  in  the  Affair. 

Voted,  That  the«said  Committee  consist  of  Five  Persons. 


98  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Voted  that  Mr.  Robert  Rand 

Samuel  Adams  Esq"". 
William  Stoddard  Esq^ 
Mr.  Timothy  Prout,  and 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion, 
be  a  Commiitee  for  the  End  aforesaid. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mrs.  Abihail  Chamberlain  Widow  of  Jacob 
Chamberlain,  the  late  Constable  for  Rumney  Marsh,  Deceased 
Which  was  Read  again. 

Voted,  To  allow  Six  Months  from  this  time,  for  the  said  Mrs. 

Abihail  Chamberlain  to  Accompt  with  the  Town  Treasurer 

And  that  the  Assessors  also  be  allowed  to  make  such  Abatements 
as  they  shall  judge  proper.  Agreeable  to  the  Prayer  of  the 
Petitioner. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  Until  Tomorrow  Morning  at 
Nine  of  the  Clock. 

Tuesday  March  11*  The  Town  being  Assembled, 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  the  Meeting  House  of  the 
Old  North  Church. 

Voted,  That  whatever  damage  may  happen  to  the  Pews  or  Seats 
in  the  said  House  by  reason  or  means  of  the  Town's  Meeting  there, 
shall  be  Repaired  at  the  Town's  Charge. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  the  Markets 
(Desiring  that  the  Houses  Erected  for  the  same  may  be  appropri- 
ated to  some  other  Use)  was  Read. 

And  after  Debate  thereon, 

A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded,  Viz'. 

That  the  Mind  of  the  Town  might  be  known,  Viz'. 

Whetlier  They  would  now  proceed  to  Act  upon  the  said  Petition? 
And,  in  Order  thereto, 

[143.]     A  previous  Question  was  put.  Viz'. 

Quest.     Whether  it  should  be  b\'  written  Votes  ? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

[Accordingly,  Those  who  were  for  proceeding  to  Act  upon  the 
said  Petition,  were  directed  to  Wnte  Yea,  and  those  Who  were 
not  for  Acting  upon  it  were  directed  to  Write  Nay.'] 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  It  Appeared  that  the  Voters  were, 
in  Number 652. 

Of  Which  Number 275   were   Yea. 

And 377 Nay. 

According  to  Order,  The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  the  Choice  of  A  County  Treasurer. 

Which  Votes  being  Collected  Were  Sealed  up  in  the  Presence  of 
the  Meeting  by  Capt.  George  Gibbs,  One  of  the  Constables  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  to  be  by  Him  kept,  and  Returned  by  him  to  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  held  for  the  County 
of  Suffolk,  As  the  Law  directs. 

Mess''^  Bartholomew  Green-     -------        Sworn. 

Samuel  Goffe,  Jun'^ Sworn. 

Alexander  Parkman 

Capt.  George  Gibbs      _--_-.-        Sworn. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1734.  99 

Capt.  Peter  Kenwood. 

Mr.  John  Tyng    ---------     Excus'd. 

Mr.  John  Allen 

Mr.  Joseph  Goldthwait      ------     Sworn. 

"Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Voted,  That  the  further  Consideration  of  the  Affairs  relating  to 
the  Market,  That  is  to  say,  The  Pay  or  Allowance  to  be  made  to 
the  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  their  Attendance  and  service  the  year 
past ;  And  the  Accounts  of  the  Committee  for  Building  the 
Markets,  be  Adjourned  'till  Tomorrow  Morning,  At  Ten  of  the 
Clock. 

[144.]     Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  the  Town  House, 
To  Meet  at  Three  of  the  Clock,  Afternoon. 

The  Town  being  Met, 

The  Proposals  of  sundry  Inhabitants,  in  Order  to  prevent  the 
growing  Charges  of  the  Town  —  Read  — 

A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded,  And  Accordingly 
Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  said  Proposals  be  deferred 
'till   Tomorrow   at   Three   of    the   Clock   Afternoon — And   that 

tlie  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  desired  to  be  present  at  the  same 
timci. 

Mess".  John  Legg --  Sworn. 

Joseph  Grouard Sworn. 

William  Beer       --------  Sworn. 

John  Wood ----  Refused. 

Samuel  Procter  --------  Sworn. 

Thomas  Clark -_-  Sworn. 

BenjaiDiu  Babbidge -  Sworn. 

Joseph  Cowel      --------  Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market. 

Mess".  Samuel  May  ---------  Sworn. 

William  Young  --------  Sworn. 

James  Dawson    --------  Sworn. 

jSTathanael  Hodgdon     ------  Sworn. 

.Joshua  Dodge     --------  Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather. 

Mess"  Moses  Ayres       --------  Sworn. 

Roger  Stainer     --------  Sworn. 

Benjamin  Russell 

John  Eudicot      --------  Sworn. 

Matthew  Barnard    -------  Sworn. 

John  Adams 

William  More     --------  Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers. 

Mess".  Edward  Moberly      -------  Sworn. 

Thomas  Foster 

Edward  Richards     -------  Sworn. 

[145.]      William  Paine --  Sworn. 

Samuel  Clark  jun''  -------  Sworn. 

Frnncis  More -.-  Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Viewers  of  Shingles,  Measurers  of  Boards,  &e. 


100  City  Dooumjent  No.  Q6. 

Mess".  John  Smibert     -     -     -     Excused. 

Thomas  Pahner  Jun'    -  [     Constables 

Joseph  Calef       -     -     -        Sworu.     |     (in  margin) 
Francis  Smith     -     -     -  J 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Tyng  be  Excused  from  serving  in  the 
OflSce  of  a  Constable  (to  which  he  was  Chosen  this  day)  for  Rea- 
sons by  him  given. 
Mess"  John  Fitch, 

Joseph  Jackson, 
George  Skinner, 
Barret  Dyre, 

Andrew  Tyler, Excused. 

William  Coffin, 
Ezekiel  Carver, 
George  Monk 
John  Welland, 
John  Taylor, 
Nathanael  Gardner, 
Nathanael  Greenwood, 
John  Holyoke, 
Thomas  Hill, 
Thomas  Boucher. 
Were  Chosen  Scavengers. 

Mess".  Gayer  Coffin Sworn." 

Nathanael  March    ---------     Sworn. 

Samuel  Gray      ----------     Sworn. 

James  Hill Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Hogreves. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  William  Wheeler  and  Others,  Masters  of 
the  Water  Engines  in  the  Town,  Desiring  the  Town  would  Ex- 
cuse them  from  Serving  in  any  Other  Offices  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing.  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted 
[146.]     The  Petition  of  several  Inhabitants,  for  Paving  at  the 
lower  end  of  Prince  Street,  near  Charlestown  Ferry, 

Read  again 

Voted  —  That  inasmuch  as  there  are  several  other  Petitions 
Presented  to  the  Town  for  Paving  in  several  Streets  That  They 
be  all  now  Read,  That  so  the  Town  may  better  Consider  of  them, 
in  Order  to  Pass  upon  them. 

And  upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded. 

Voted,    To  Chuse  a  Committee,  To  Compute   the  Charges  of 
Paving  in   the  several  Streets  propos'd,  and  to  View  &  Consider 
what    Places   may  stand  in   most  need  thereof   And  to  make  a 
Report  thereon  to  the  Town  at  their  next  General  Town-Meeting. 
Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons. 
Voted-That  Timothy  Clark  Esq'. 
William  Tyler  Esq^ 

Mess"  John  Walker,  • 

Timothy  Prout,  and 
Isaac  White  , 

be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1734.  101 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  William  Eand,  relating  to  the  Release 
of  a  certain  Annual  Quit  Rent  of  Four  Shillings  to  the  Town, 
from  Lands  he  lately  purchased  of  Peter  Gamberto,  Administraf 
on  the  Estate  of  Isaac  Gamberto  Deceased.  Upon  his  paj'ing 
the  sum  of  Six  Pounds  to  the  Town  Treasurer,  as  eutred  in  the 
Records  of  the  Annual  Meeting  in  March  last.  Which  Petition 
being  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioner  be  Granted. 

Upon,  Mr.  Samuel  Clark's  Petition,  for  an  abatement  of  his 
Rent  of  the  North  Battery  Wharf  &c.  As  set  forth  in  his  Pe- 
tition   Which  was  Read, 

[147.]  Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifteen  Pounds  be  AUow'd 
and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  the  said  Mr.  Clark,  in 
Consideration  of  his  Loss  and  Damage,  as  set  forth  in  his  Petition. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson,  Usher  of  the  South 
Grammar  School,     Which  was  Read  again. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  be  Added  to  Mr. 
Gibson's  Salary  (Which  will  make  his  whole  Salary  to  be  One 
Hundred  Pounds)  the  same  to  Commence  from  the  time  of  his 
Entring  into  the  service  of  the  said  School. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Zech.  Hicks,     Read  again. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  be  allow'd  &  paid  to 
the  said  Mr.  Hicks,  in  Consideration  of  His  House  Rent,  and  in 
Addition  to  his  Salary  for  this  Year. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke,  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street,     Read  Again. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  be  Added  to  Mr.  Holy- 
oke's  Salary  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Upon  Mr.  Sendall  Williams's  Petition  for  Addition  to  his  Salary 
Which  was  Read  again,  and  Debated. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  said  Petition  be  left  to 

the  Select  Men Who  are  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town  what 

they  think  ma}'  be  proper  for  them  to  do  thereon  at  their  next 
Town  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  Southerly  part  of  the 
Town,  Desiring  That  the  South  Bell  may  be  Rung  at  the  Hours 
of  Five,  Nine,  &  One  of  the  Clock,  at  the  Towns  Charge. 

Read  Again After  Some  Debate  ihereon 

The  following  Question  was  put,  Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  it  be  Your  Mind,  That  the  South  Bell  should 
be  Rung,  as  desired  in  the  said  Petition,  and  at  the  Charge  of  the 
Town  ? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  To  adjourn  this  Meeting  'till  Nine  of  the  Clock  Tomorrow 
Morning. 

[148.]     Wednesday  Mar.  12'*"  The  Town  being  Assembled. 
Voted,  That  Mr,  John  Smibert  be  Excused  from   Serving  aa 
Constable  for  reasons  by  him  given. 

Mess".  Thomas  Tyler  & 
Thomas  Savage 
Were  Chosen  Constables. 


102  City  Document  No.  06. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways, 
the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  the  Motion  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  relating  to  his  Care 
of  the  Granary  &c. 

Voted,  That  Twenty  Pounds  be  Allow'd  and  Paid  to  the  said 
Mr.  Williams  in  Addition  to  his  Salary  (in  Consideration  of  Ex- 
traordinary Services)  for  the  Year  past. 

Mess"  Samuel  Bleigh  &       -------     Excus'd 

James  Dolbeare 
Were  Chosen  Constables. 

The  Moderator  propos'd  to  the  Town,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice 
of  Ty thing-Men. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  allow'd  and 
paid  to  Capt.  James  Watson,  in  Consideration  of  his  Inspecting 
the  Market  in  Dock  Square,  from  the  time  of  His  being  Chosen 
Clerk  of  the  said  Market,  Until  this  Day. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  Allow'd  and  paid  to 
Capt.  John  Steel,  in  Consideration  of  his  Inspecting  the  North 
Market,  from  the  Time  of  his  being  Chosen  Clerk  of  the  said 
Market,  until  this  Day. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  Allow'd  and 
paid  to  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby.  [149.]  In  Consideration  of 
his  Inspecting  the  South  Market,  from  the  time  of  his  being 
Chosen  Clerk  of  the  said  Market,  until  this  Day. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  at 
the  vacant  place  on  the  Town  Dock,  by  a  Hand  Vote. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  James  Watson  be  Clerk  of  the  Market,  in 
Dock  Square. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Clioice  of  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  at 
the  Southerly  End  of  the  Town,  by  a  hand  Vote. 

Voted,  That  JNIr.  Francis  Willougliby  be  Clerk  of  the  Market, 
at  the  South  End  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  at 
the  Northerly  End  of  the  Town,  by  a  Hand  Vote. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Foster  "be  Clerk  of  the  Market  at  the 
Open  Space  before  and  about  the  Old  North  Meeting  House. 

Voted,  That  thei'e  shall  be  allow'd  and  paid  after  the  Rate  of  Five 
Pounds  p  Annum  to  each  of  the  Three  Sextons,  For  Ringing  the 
Bells  at  the  time  for  Opening  the  Markets. 

Voted,  That  the  Three  Bells  be  still  Rung  as  usual  at  the  time 
of  Opening  the  Market,  the  year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Several  Accounts  for  Building  the  Market 
Houses,  now  Exhibited  by  the  Committee  for  Erecting  them,  be 
Received  by  the  Select  Men,  and  that  They  Order  Payment  of  the 
Ballance  remaining  due  by  the  said  Accounts,  Out  of  the  Town 
Treasury. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  Returned  [150.]  To 
the  Hon''^''  Thomas  Fitch  Esq"",  and  Others,  the  Committee  for 
Erecting   Markets,    for   their   great  Care  in  Effecting  the    same. 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion's  Proposals  Offered  to  the  Town  for  their 
Consideration,  were  Read  ag°. 

Voted,    That   the    Select   Men  be  desired  to  take  Mr.  Joseph 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1734-  103 

Marion's  Proposals  into  their  Consideration,  and  Eeport  to  the 
Town  at  tlieir  next  Meeting  What,  they  think,  may  be  proper  for 
them  to  do  thereon. 

A  Motion  of  the  Select  Men  made  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meet- 
ing, relating  to  the  Regulation  of  the  Porters  on  the  Town  Dock, 
being  made  again,  and  Considered. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  take  into  Consideration  the 
said  Motion,  And  that  they  malce  Report  to  the  Town,  at  the  Ad- 
journment of  this  Meeting,  What  they  Think  is  pi'oper  to  be  done 
thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons. 

Voted,  That  Jacob  Wendell  Esq''. 
Mr.  John  Walker 
Samuel  Sewall  Esq'^. 
Richard  Bill  Esq'',  and 
Mr.  George  Craddock, 
be  the  said  Committee. 

Mess".  Eliakim  Hutchinson  & 

John  Milliken     ----------     Sworn. 

"Were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mr.  Stephen  Kent  of  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh  is  Chosen 
Haward,  or  Field  Driver  the  Year  ensuing. 

[151.]     Megs'"'  Samuel  Torrey  (Fil.  Job.)        -  Sworn. 

Thomas  Parker         -         -         .         Excus'd. 
Were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  'till  Three  of  the  Clock  After- 
noon. 

The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mr.  John  Rushton,  was  Chosen  Constable  -     -     -     -     Sworn. 

Mess''\  Samuel  Gardner,  Joseph  Wadsworta  Esq'",  and  Timothy 
Clark  Esq''.  A  Committee  Appointed  to  Enquire  into  the  Encroach- 
ment on  the  High  Way  round  Wind  Mill  Point,  Presented  a  Report. 
"Which  was  Read. and  is  as  follows.     Viz' 

We  find  Recorded,  A  Way  laid  out  Fifty  foot  wide  from  Bull's 
Corner  to  "Windmill  point  And  the  Flats  Granted  below  on  Con- 
dition the  Proprietors  maintain  s*^.  Way  the  full  breadth.  We  find 
said  Breadth  narrows  in  several  places  by  Buildings  thereon.  We 
find  another  Way  of  Fifty  foot  wide  laid  out  on  the  Beech,  from 
the  High  Way  between  Deacon  Allin's  and  Abel  Porter's,  now 
leading  down  to  Mr.  Hill's  Wharf  to  meet  the  Other  way  at  Wind- 
mill point but  on  what  part  of  said  Beech,  said  way  is  laid 

out  is  altogether  Uncertain.  We  find  some  part  of  said  Beech  in- 
cumber'd  by  Wharfing  and  Buildings  and  the  other  part  Encroach'd 
on  by  the  Sea  and  washt  away, 

We  therefore  Propose,  A  Committee  be  Impowered,  to  Treat 
with  the  Abutters  on  the  Way  laid  out  on  the  Beach,  In  Order  to 
lay  out  a  Way  fdiove  the  Beech,  tho'  not  so  wide  as  Fifty  foot 
which  may  better  accommodate  the  Town  with  a  smaller  Charge 
and  less  damage  to  the  Abutters  than  to  have  the  AVay  Over  the 
Beech  as  Origin.-dly  laid  out.  And  Also  Cause  the  Enci-oachments 
on  the  Easterly  Side  of  the  Way  to  be  removed,  that  so  the  Street 


104  CiTr  Document  No.  6(5. 

may  have  its  full  breadth  of  Fifty  foot,  And  Report  their  dt>ings 
thereon  to  the  Town  for  their  Approbation. 

Samuel  Gardner. 

Boston  March  the  Joseph  Wadsworth. 

12*1734/5  TiM°  Clarke. 

[153.]     Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  —  Together  with  Mr.  Jacob 
Parker,  and  Capt.  Benjamin  Pollard  be  a  Committee  to  lay  Out 
the  High  Way  round  Wind-Mill  Point,  According  to  the  said 
Report. 

According  to  Order,  The  Representation,  and  Proposals  of  a 
Number  of  Gentlemen  Offered  to  the  Consideration  of  the  Inhab- 
itants. As  what  they  Apprehend  will  very  much  tend  to  prevent 
the  growing  Charges  of  the  Town,  And  be  also  a  likely  means  of 
Suppressing  Vice  and  Immorality  amongst  Us,  Read  again. 

And  after  Debate  had  thereon. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  Scheme,  or  some 
Proposals  Agreeable  to  the  said  Representation  &c.  to  be  laid 
before  this  Town  for  their  Consideration  —  That  so,  the  same, 
if  Approved  of,  may  be  presented  to  the  Great  and  General  Couit 
at  their  next  Session,  In  Order  to  Obtain  An  Act,  to  Augment  the 
Number  of  Over-seers  of  the  Poor  within  this  Town,  And  to 
Encrease  their  Power,  That  the  good  ends  mentioned  in  the  said 
Proposals  may  more  Effectuallj^  be  Attained. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons. 
Voted,  That  Samuel  Welles  Esq^ 
Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq''. 
Edward  Hutchinson  Esq^ 
Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood,  and 
Samuel  Adams  Esq''. 

be   the   said    Committee Who   are  desired   to   make  their 

Report  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Select  Men  presented  a  Report  of  the  Visitation  of  the 
Public  Schools  within  the  Town  —  Which  was  Read. 

[153.]  Voted,  To  Refer  the  Consideration  of  Raising  Money 
(to  defray  the  necessarj^  Charges  of  the  year  ensuing)  to  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  to  Thursday  the  20*  of  March, 
current.  At  3  of  the  Clock,  afternoon. 

Thursday,  Mar  20*  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Samuel  Welles  Esq''  from  the  Committee  Appointed  the  12* 
instant.  On  the  Proposals  for  Preventing  the  growing  Charges  of 
the  Town  &c.  Presented  a  Report  which  was  Read To- 
gether with  the  Draught  of  An  Address  to  the  General  Court 
For  the  Town's  Consideration 

After  Debate  thereon 


Voted,  To  Chuse  Two  Persons  to  be  added  to  the  former  Com- 
mittee—  Who  are  Desired  to  Receive  the  Papers  again.  And  to 
Prepare  a  Scheme,  or  Draught  of  Rules  and  Orders  for  the  Gov- 
erment  of  the  Workhouse  propos'd  ;  And  to  Endeav''.  to  Obtain  a 
Subscription  towards  Erecting  the  said  Work-House,  and  defray- 


BosTox  To^v^s^  Eecoeds,  1735.  105 

ing  the  Charges  thereof And  that  They  Report  thereon  at 

the  next  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  that  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  and 
Jacob  Wendell  Esq"^. 
be  added  to  the  Committee  aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  the  said  Committee  be  also  Desired  to  project  a 
Model  of  the  Work  House  propos'd  to  be  Erected,  And  to  make 
an  Estimate  of  the  Charge  thereof.  And  lay  them  before  the  Town 
at  the  same  Time. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esq'',  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  12*  in- 
stant, to  whom  was  referr'd  the  Consideration  of  Proposals  for  the 
better  Eegulation  of  the  Porters  on  the  Town  Dock,  &c.  Pre- 
sented their  Report Which  being  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to  bring  forward  the 
Affair,  So  as  to  Obtain  An  Act  of  the  General  Court,  for  [154.] 
The  Regulation  of  the  Porters  as  aforesaid.  Agreeable  to  the  said 
Report. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Fifty  Pounds  be 
allow'd  and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  Joseph  Wadsworth 
Esq'",  the  Town  Treasurer  for  his  good  Service  in  that  Office  the 
year  past. 

Voted,  That  Isaac  Lewis  of  Rumney  Marsh  be  Haward  or  Field 
Driver,  the  3ear  ensuing  in  the  Room  of  Stephen  Kent,  Who  is 
Excused  from  that  Service. 

Voted,  That  John  Cravath  be  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market, 
in  the  Room  of  John  Wood,  who  refuses  to  serve  in  that  Office. 
Who  was  accordingly  Sworn. 

Voted,  That  Nine  pence  upon  the  Pound  be  allowed  and  paid, 
to  the  Collectors  of  Rates  and  Taxes,  for  the  year  Ensuing ;  They 
giving  Sufficient  Security  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men. 

Voted,  That,  Samuel  Sewall  Esq^ 

Mess'■^  Charles  Apthorp, 
George  Craddock, 
Nathaniel  Cunningham,  and 
Joseph  Marion, 
be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurer  Accompts  for  the 

Year  Current Who  are  to  see  that  the  several  Draughts  upon 

the  Town  Treasurer  are  Agreeable  to  Law,  Or  the  Town  Votes. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  &  Lawfully  Warned,  being  regu- 
larly Assembled  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House, 
Upon  Tuesday  the  1''.  April,  1735 

Voted,  That  Elisha  Cooke  Esq"^  be  Moderator  of  [155.]  The 
Present  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  for  the  Time  being, 
be  Impowered  to  Defend  for  the  Town  in  all  Actions  brought 
against  them  by  Ichabod  Paddock  &  Others,  And  now  depending 
in  tlie  Inferior  Court  of  Common  Plens  in  Boston,  And  to  pur- 
sue the  same  to  final  judgment  and  execution. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 


106  City  Document  No.  ()Q. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  according  to  Law, 
being  regularly  Assembled  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town 
House,  Upon  Wednesday  May,  7^^.  1735. 

After  Prayer  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Mather, 
Sundry  Laws  were  Read. 
The  Select  Men  inform'd  the  Town  as  follows.  Viz'. 
That  by  the  Laws  of  this  Province,  the  Power  of  Regulating  this 
Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Representatives  is  vested  in  the  Select- 
Men Yet  if  the  Town  think  it  best  to  Chuse  a  Moderator, 

The  Select  Men  Consent  to  it,  Saving  to  themselves  the  Right  of 
giving  directions  for  the  more  regular  and  orderly  carrying  on  the 
Affairs  of  said  Meeting,  Which  bj-  the  laws  they  are  cloathed 
with. 

Upon  which  The  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Town  would 
now  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator? 
Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Votes  for  a  Moderator  being  Collected,  it  appeared,  That 
Elislia  Cooke  Esq"",  was  Chosen  Moderator  of  the  present  Meeting, 
by  a  Majority  of  Votes. 

Several  Petitions  were  Read,  and  Motions  made 

[156.]     Viz'.    A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  for  a  Floor  at 

the  South  Market  Place Read. 

Mr.  John  Procter's  Petition,  for  Addition  to  his 

Salary Read. 

The  Select  Men  made  a  Motion  respecting  the 
High  Way  in  Rumney  Marsh,  leading  thro' 
Capt.  Oliver's   Farm ;    Which   They  Repre- 
sented, might  be  more  conveniently  removed, 
a  little  to  the  left  hand  going  to  Lynn,  the 
Bottom  being  better  for  a  High  Road. 
Voted,  To  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  desiring  liberty  to  speak.  It  was  voted, 
That  he  should  have  liberty  so  to  do. 

The  Votes  for  Four  Representatives  being  Collected,  the  Number 

of  Voters  were  found  to  be-     -     - -     -     517. 

And  upon  Sorting  them,  it  appear'd  that  the  following  Gentlemen 
were  duly  Elected,  by  a  Major  part  of  the  Voters  Viz'. 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq''  Numb''  of  Votes     373. 

Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher 303. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Jun'".  --------     464. 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 328. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting,  'till  Three  of  the  Clock, 
Afternoon. 

The  Town  being  Assembled 

Samuel  Welles  Esq""  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  12th  and 
20th  of  March  last,  On  the  Proposals  to  prevent  the  growing 
Charges  of  the  Town,  Signified  to  the  Town,  That  the  Committee 
were  not  prepared  to  make  their  Report  on  that  Affair.  Where- 
fore, 

Voted,  That   the   said    Affair   be   referr'd   to   the   next   Town 


Boston  Towx  Kecords,  1735.  107 

Meeting;  And  the  Committee  are  desired  [157,]   To  make  their 
Report  at  the  said  Meeting. 

A  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  Southerly  part  of 
Boston,    ISlaewing    tlie   inconvenience    which    attends    the    South 

Market,  for  want  of  a  Floor  to  the  Market  House Read, 

And  Accordingly. 

Voted.  —  That  the  Market  House  at  the  South  End  of  the 
Town  be  Floored,  the  better  to  accommodate  the  Said  Market  and 
those  that  frequent  the  same. 

The   Petition  of  Capt.    Daniel  Pecker,  &c.    Collectors   of   the 

Taxes  within  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  the  year  1734 Read, 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners -be  Granted.  And 
the  Assessors  are  accordingly  allowed  to  sit  'till  the  latter  End  of 
Jul}'  next,  in  Order  to  make  such  Abatements  on  the  Rates  and 
Taxes,  as  to  them  may  seem  just  and  reasonable. 

Timothy  Clark  Esq'',  from  the  Committee  Appointed  at  the 
Meeting  in  March  last.  On  the  Petitions  for  Paving  in  several 
Streets,  Who  were  to  View  the  Places,  and  Compute  the  Charge 

Presented  their  Report.     "Which  Being  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  Pounds  be  Raised  and 

Improved,  in  Paving,  as  the  Select  Men  shall  direct  and  Order ;  in 

Repairing  the  High  Way  on  Boston  Neck,  And  at  Rumney  Marsh. 

The  Select  Men,  to  whom  was  referr'd  the  Consideration  of  Mr. 

Marions  Proposals,  As  Entred  the  10th  March  last  Made  Report, 

Which,  together  with  the  said  Proposals,  were  Read And 

are  as  Follows,   Viz'. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 

Boston,  in  Town  Meeting  regularly  Assembled,  March  the 

10th.  1734. 

The   Subscriber  Exhibits  the  following   Proposals  for  the 

Towns  Consideration,  •/.  Viz'. 
[158.]     Imp"".  That  all  Deeds,  Leases,  Releases,  and  Instru- 
ments in  Writing  made  and  Executed  by  the  Select  Men  of  the 
said  Town  in  their  said  Capacity  or  the  Town  Treasurer  in   his 
said   Capacity  be   Registred  by  the   Town  Clerk   in    a   Book   of 

Records    to  be  specially  kept   for   that  purpose B3'  which 

Means,  a  few  Hours  ma}'  discover  a  Hundred  years  Transactions, 
When  much  time  may  be  spent  in  Searching  for  Papers  on  File 

Which  Files  are  liable  to  be  Mislay'd,  or  lost, Of 

which  this  Town  has  a  Memorable  Instance  in  the  loss  of  a  Paper 
of  the  greatest  concern  to  the  Town 

2.  That  the  Books  and  Files  of  Papers  relating  to  the  Town 
Treasurers  Office,  be  kept  in  the  Town  House  in  Boston,  and  not 
in  a  Private  House. 

3.  That  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to  wait  on  Mrs;  Prout 
Relict  Widow  of  Mr.  Joseph  Prout  formerly  Town  Clerk  of  this 
Town,  And  Demand  and  Receive  of  her  all  such  Files  and  Papers 
that  are  now  in  her  Custody  of  Right  Appertaining  to  the  Town. 

4.  That  as  the  Release  of  Mr.  Blackston  the  First  Proprietor 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  made  by  him  to  the  said  town  is  now  on 
File  in  the  Town  Clerk's  Office,  as  also  the  Indian  Deeds  to  the 
Select  Men Tliat  the  Said  Release  and  Deeds  be  Registred 


108  City  Document  No.  66. 

by  the  Town  Clerk  in  his  said  Office,  That  so  the  Town  may 
have  Recourse  to  the  same  when  there  may  be  Occasion 
therefor 

5.  That  the  Several  Reports  of  Committees  and  Proposals 
for  some  time  past  laid  before  this  Town  be  Collected  and  Read  to 
the  Town  in  their  present  Meeting,  That  so  the  Town  may  know 
what  has  been  done  thereon,  And  how  far  farther  they  may 
Judge  meet  to  proceed  therein. 

6.  That  as  a  Certain  Lease  from  this  Town  [159.]  To  Mr. 
Henry  Hill  Distiller  late  Deceased,  is  now  on  File  in  the  Town 
Clerks  Office,  Wherein  the  Town  Leased  to  Mr.  Hill  the  Land 
on  which  Hill's  Still  House  and  "Wharf  (so  called)  now  stands 
with  the  Land  adjoyning  thereto  (near  Wind  Mill  point)  for  a 
small  Quit  Rent,  Which  Lease  is  long  since  Expired  and  as  yet  is 

uncancell'd That  therefore  the  said  Lease  be  produced  and 

Read  in  this  present  Meeting,  That  so  this  Matter  may  Appear  in 
a  true  light.  That  the  Town  Right  may  not  be  stifled,  Nor  the 
Town  stript  of  its  just  due. 

7.  That  as  about  Eight  years  since  the  Charge  for  the  Support 
and  Maintenance  of  the  Poor  of  the  Town  amounted  only  to  the 
Sum  of  Eight  Hundred  pounds  p  Annum,  And  the  Expence  is  now 

Arisen  to  the  Sum  of  Twenty  five  Hundred  pounds  p  Annum 

It  is  therefore  Proposed,  That  the  Gentlemen  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor  lay  before  the  Town  this  Present  Meeting  an  Accompt  of  the 
Chargeon  the  Public  Poor  maintained  in  the  Almes  House,  And 
an  Accompt  of  the  Expence  on  the  Private  Poor  Supported  out  of 
the  Almes  House  Separate  and  distinct  for  the  year  past. 

8.  That  there  be  a  Committee  specially  Appointed  to  make 
strict  Enquiry  into  the  Ability  and  Learning  of  the  Masters  of  the 
Free  Writing  Schools  within  this  Town,  and  what  Pi-oficiency  the 
Children  under  their  Cai-e  have  made,  or  are  like  to  attain  in 
Reading,  Writing  and  Arithmetick  For  as  the  want  of  Able  and 
Accurate  Masters  in  the  Initiating  Youth  in  the  Rudiments  of 
Learning  will  prove  fatal  and  prevent  the  true  design  of  Education 
It  is  therefore  hoped  that  as  this  Town  has  appeared  Gen- 
erous in  the  Encouraging  Learning  and  good  Literature,  it  will 
ever  be  Supply'd  with  School  Masters  Equal  to  such  an  Excellent 
Employment,  And  that  they  may  be  duly  and  honourably  Encour- 
aged. All  which  is  Submitted 

p  Jos.  Marion. 

[160.]  Upon  the  Proposals  of  Mr.  Jos.  Marion  Offer'd  to 
the  Town  at  the  Town  Meeting  in  March  past,  which  was  referr'd 
to  the  Select  Men  to  Report  what  they  thought  proper  to  be  done 

thereon They  having  maturely  Considered  the  same,  are  of 

Opinion,  As  follows. 

1.  That  the  First  Article  be  complied  with. 

2.  That  the  Second  Article  be  complied  with,  Except  the  Book 

in  which  the  Treasurer  keeps  the  Town's  Accounts,  Which 
We  think  necessar}'  should  be  left  with  the  Treasurer. 

3.  That  the  Third  Article  was  perform'd  y®  last  Fall. 

4.  That  the  Fourth  Article  be  complied  with. 


Boston  Towi^  Records,  1735.        109 

5.  That   the   Fifth   Article  was  complied  with,  at  the   Town 

Meeting  in  March  last. 

6.  That  AVe  have  made  strict  Inquiry  into  the  Laud  referr'd  to 

in  the  Sixth  Article,  And  are  of  Ophiiou,  that  Mr.  Hill's 
Title  is  clear. 

7.  That  the  Seventh  Article  be  complied  with. 

On  the  Eighth  Article,  We  Report,  That  the  Town  has 
always  been  in  the  practice  of  Appointing  a  Committee 
for  that  Service. 

Boston  Apr.  7.  1735.  John  Jeffries 

Joshua  Wixslow. 

William  Downe. 

Edward  Bromfield.     }>Select- 

JoNATHAN  Armitage         Men. 

Alexander  Forsyth 

David  Collson. 

Upon  Consideration  of  the  Sixth  Article  in  Said  Proposals,  and 
some  Debate  ensuing  thereupon.  It  was 

Voted  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired,  to  take  the  Affair  of  Mr. 
Hill's  Lease,  contained  in  the  Sixth  Article  of  the  said  Proposals 
under  [161,]  Further  Consideration;  And  that  They  Examin, 
Whether  the  Land  now  in  the  Possession  of  Mr.  Hill,  as  to  bounds 
&c.  be  the  Land  Granted  to  Henry  Allen  the  2oth.  11th  M°  1663. 
As  Eutred  with  the  Records  of  Boston,  Lib°  2.  FoP  14  &  16. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  Upon  Mr.   iNIarion's 

Proposals,  be  Accepted Excepiing  the  Sixth  Article,  which 

is  recommitted  to  them  for  further  Consideration  thereon,  as  above. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  the  10"^  Mar.  last,  to  lay 

Out  the  High  Way  round  Wind  Mill  point Read And 

thereupon. 

Voted.  That  the  Affair  of  the  High  Way  round  Windmill  point 
be  referr'd  for  further  Consideration   to  the  next  Town  Meeting 

And  in  the  mean  time  the  Select  Men  are  desired  to  View 

the  same,  And  that  They  Endeavour  to  Agree  with  the  Abutters 
on  the  said  Way,  In  Order  to  have  the  same  laid  out,  so  as  may 

best  Accommodate  the  Inhabitants And  that  They  Report 

thereon,  at  the  ;:ext  Town  Meeting. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Procter,  Master  of  the  Free  Writing 
School  at  the  North  Fnd  :  Praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary  for 

Reasons  therein  given.     Read  again,  And In  Considei'ation 

of  the  said  Mr.  Procter's  extraordinary  Ability,  Care,  and  Dili- 
gence in  bringing  forward  the  Youth  under  his  Tuition,  in  the  Arts 
of  Writing,  Arithmetick  &c.  the  excellent  economy  of  his  Scliool, 
And  the  Ciovernment  thereof.  As  well  as  the  Great  Number  of  his 
Scholars. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  added  to  his  Salary  for 
this  Year  :  To  Commence  the  Tliirteenth  of  June  next  ensuing. 

The  Select  Men  made  a  Motion  relating  to  Frauds  in  Cording 
of  Wood,  Whereby  the  Inhabitants  are  greatly  [163.]  Injured, 
And  of  which  there  are  frequent  Complaints. 

Voted-  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  strictly  to  Enquire  into 
this  Affair;  And  Report  at  the  next  Town  Meeting,  their  Opinion 


110  City  Document  No.  66. 

thereon,  And  what  Method  may  be  taken  to  prevent  the  same,  in 
Time  to  come. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esq'',  made  a  Motion,  which  was  Seconded,  Re- 
specting the  Waste-Lands  of  the  Province,  Viz'.  That  the  Rep- 
resentatives of  Boston  might  have  Instructions  to  Use  their  best 
Endeavours  to  Obtain  from  the  Great  and  Geueral  Court,  A  Grant 
of  some  of  the  Said  Lands  to  the  Town  of  Boston. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  whom  this  Affair  may  be 
Referr'd. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  Consist  of  Three  Persons. 

Voted,  That  Samuel  Welles  P:sq^ 

Jacob  Wendell  Esq^  and 

Mr.  Andrew  Tyler 

be  the  said  Committee  ;  Who  are  Desired  to  take  this  Affair  into 
Consideration,  And  make  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  next  Meet- 
ing, What  Method  may  be  best  taken,  in  Order  to  Obtain  Such  a 
Grant. 

The  Select  Men  Inform'd  the  Town,  That  within  the  Space  of 

Fourteen  Months  last  past -More  than    Nine  Hundred   and 

Fifty  Births  and  Deaths  within  this  Town,  have  not  been  Registred 

in    the   Town   Clerk's   Office,    as   the  Law   directs Which 

Neglect  of  the  Inhabitants,  may  prove  to  be  ill  consequence  to 
their  Posterity,  in  time  to  come. 

[163.]  Voted,  A  Grant  of  Seven  Thousand  Eight  Hundred 
Pounds,  to  be  Raised  by  a  Tax  on  Polls  and  Estates  within  the 
Town  of  Boston,  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defraying  Other  nec- 
essary Charges,  arising  within,  and  for  the  said  Town  the  Year 
Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  to  Wednesday  the  21** 
Currant,  at  Three  of  the  Clock  Afternoon. 

The  Town  being  Assembled. 
The  Select  Men  Reported  on  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Sendal  Wil- 
liams ;  Which  was  Read 


Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted 

Samuel  Welles  Esq',  from  the  Committee,    to  whom   was  Re- 
ferr'd,   the   Consideration   of  the    Motion   for   a  Petition  to  the 

General  Court,  for  a  Grant  of  Land  to  the  Town  of  Boston 

Reported  thereon.  Which  was  Read,  As  follows  Viz'. 

The  Committee,  to  whom  was  referr'd    the  Consideration 

of  the  Motion  for  a  Petition  to  the  General  Assembly, 

for  a  Grant  of  Land  to  the  Town  of  Boston  &c.  Report 

as  follows.  Viz'. 

That  they  have  prepared,  and  now  humbly  Present  to  the  Town, 

for  their  Consideration,  the  form  of  a  Petition,  to  be  preferred  to 

the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly,  at  their  Session  the 

28th.  Current,  The  Committee  have  also  obtained  Copys  of  the 

Grant,  Survey  and  Return  of  One  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  for 

the  Free  School  of  Boston  which  are  also  herewith  laid  before  the 

Town. Jacob  Went)ell 

Samuel  Welles 
Andrew  Tvl'-:r 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1Y35.  Ill 

[164.]  And  also  Preseutecl  the  Draught  of  a  Petition  to  the 
General  Court  for  the  Towns  Consideration Which  was  Read. 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  And  also.  That  the  Peti- 
tion therewith  Exhibited,  Which  has  been  Considered  and  Ap- 
proved, be  Accoixlingly  Presented  to  the  Great  and  General  Court 
or  Assembly,  at  their  Session  the  28  Curr'.  in  Order  to  Obtain  a 
Grant  of  Land  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  the  Ends  set  forth  and 
Expressed  in  said  Petition. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired,  and  Directed  in  behalf 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  Sign  the  Said  Petition,  and  Present  it 
to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  at  the  Session  of  said  Court  the 
28*  currant. 

Sarnuel  Welles  Esq'",  in  the  Name  of  the  Committee,  to  whom 
was  Referr'd  the  Consideration  of  Proposals  to  Prevent  the  grow- 
ing Charges  of  the  Town,  Presented  their  Report,  together  with 
the  Draught  of  a  Petition  to  the  General   Court   for  the  Towns 

Consideration,  &c.     Which  were  Read And  the  Report  is 

as  follows,  Viz'. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  Referr'd  the  Consideration  of 
the  Proposals  for  lessening  the  growing  Charge  of  the 
Town  &c.     Report  as  follows,  Viz'. 

That  there  be  a  Work  House  Erected,  in  some  convenient  Place 
which  the  Town  shall  Agree  upon Of  the  form  and  Dimen- 
sions contained  in  a  Draught,  or  proposals  for  it  herewith  pre- 
sented ;  Which  House,  the  Committee  find  by  the' Judgment  of 
able  Workmen,  will  Cost  upwards  of  Two  Thousand  Seven  Hun- 
dred Pounds  ;  And  are  of  Opinion,  that  the  Charge  of  the  [165.] 
Furniture  and  Stock  necessary,  Will  amount  to  near  Eight  Hun- 
dred Pounds  more,  in  the  whole  about  Three  Thousand  Five  Hun- 
dred Pounds,  For  defraying  of  which  Charge  they  have  Obtained 
Subscriptions  from  Charitable  and  well  disposed  Persons,  for  a 

considerable   sum;    towards    defraying    the    Charge. ■ — The 

Committee  further  Propose,  That  the  Great  and  General  Assem- 
bly be  Address'd,  at  their  Sessions  the  28th.  instant,  in  the  form 
of  a  Petition,  herewith  laid  before  the  Town.  All  which  is  humbly 
Submitted,  By  Samuel  Welles, 

Boston  May  20.  iu  the  name  and  by  Order  of 

1735.  the  Committee. 

Voted,  That  the   Report  of   the  Said  Committee  be  Accepted 

And  also.  That  the  Petition  therewith  Exhibited,   Which 

has  been  considered  and  Approved,  be  Signed  by  the  Select  Men, 
in  behalf  of  the  Town,  And  that  the}' be  Desired,  and  Directed 
to  Present  the  said  Petition  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  at 
their  Session  the  28"*.  of  May,  Currant,  in  Order  to  Obtain  of  them, 
An  Act  agreeable  to  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  set  forth  therein. 

Votefl,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to  Visit  the  several 
Public  Schools  in  this  Town,  taking  with  them  such  Gentlemen 
to  Accompany  them.  As  They  shall  think  proper. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esq^  Inform'd  the  Town,  That  the  Overseers  of 
the  Poor  had,  for  some  time  past,  taken  Care  to  Provide  Preach 
ing  at  the  Aims-House,  on  the  Lord's  Day. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 


112  City  Document  No.  66. 

[166.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  Warned  according 
to  Law,  being  regularly  Assembled  in  Publick  Town  Meeting  at 
the  Town  House,  Upon  Tuesday,  Aug.  5.  1735. 

Voted,  That  tlie  Hon*^'^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq',  be  the  Moderator  of 
the  Present  Meeting. 

Who  being  luforra'd  of  the  Choice Return'd,  That  He 

could  not  Serve  the  Town  at  this  time. 

The  Town  then  pi'oceeded And, 

Voted,  That  Mr  Thomas  Gushing,  Jun'".  be  tne  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting,  in  the  Room  of  Elisha  Cooke  Esq"". 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  Abutters  on  Sea  Street, 

Read. 

A  Petition  of  John  Bowles,  Thomas  Tilestone  and  Seven  Others, 
Representatives  of  several  Towns  within  the  County  of  Suffolk 
preferr'd  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  Praying,  That  Bos- 
ton may  be  a  County  by  itself.  And  the  Country  Towns  in 
the  Count}'^  of  Suffolk  a  County  by  themselves  —  Read. 
Upon   a  Motion   made  and  Seconded  —  Viz'.     That  the  Town 

would  now  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Jurors The  Question 

was  Accordingly  propos'd  to  the  Town,  And 
Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  Draw  up  an  Answer  to  the 
Petition  of  John  Bowles,  Thomas  Tilestone,  and  Others,  Represen- 
tatives of  several  of  the  Towns  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  for  mak- 
ing Boston  a  County  by  itself And  to  set  forth  therein  the 

best  Reasons  and  Arguments  they  can  against  the  same. 
Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  consist  of  Five  Persons. 
[167.]     Voted,  That  John  Read  Esq-". 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion. 
William  Stoddard  Esq"". 
John  Fayerweather  Esq'',  and 
Robert  Auchmuty  Esq'', 
be  this  Committee.     Who  are  Desired  to  make  their  Report,  at 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Report  of  the  S-elect  Men,  relating  to  the  High  Way  leading 
Round  Wind-Mill  Point  —  Read.     Which  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 
Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting 
the  7"^.  of  May  last  past,  desiring  Us  to  View  the  High  Way 
round  Wind-Mill  Point,  And  to  agree  with  the  Abutters  on 
said  Way,  So  as  to  have  it  laid  out  in  the  best  manner  for  ac- 
commodating the  Inhabitants. 
We  have  accordingly  attended  that  Service,  And  treated  with 
Mess"  Joseph  Marion  and  William  Wheeler  jun''  (the  Abutters) 
And  have  mutually  Agreed  to  Offer  to  the  Town  as  follows.  Viz'. 
That  in  lieu  of  the  Old  Way,  the  Way  be  now  laid  out  at  the 
bottom  of  South-Street,  Seven  feet  and  half  from  the  South  East 
Corner  of  said  Wheeler's  House,  So  as  to  run  Nine  feet  to  the 
Southward  of  Wheeler's  rough-cast  House  unto  the  Divisional  Line 
between  Mr.   Marion  and  Mr.  Wheeler,  And  then   to  run  on  a 
Sloping  line  along  to  the  Eastward  Corner  of  the  House  formerly 
James  Townsend's  now  enjoyed  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  Carrying 


Boston  Town  Records,  1735.  113 

all  the  way  the  breadth  of  Thhty  five  feet,  So  as  to  joyn  the  High 
Way  leading  to  Bull's  Wharf ;  The  which  Way,  Mess""^  Marion  and 
Wheeler  have  Agreed  to  make  a  convenient  High  Way  as  above 
fur  the  Use  of  the  Town,  and  to  keep  and  maintain  it  in  good 
Repair,  Open,  Free,  and  Unincumber'd,  at  their  o^vn  proper  cost 
and  charge  forever.  All  which  is  Submitted  by. 
Boston,  John  Jeffries.  Jon*^  Armitage.  '\ 

Aug.  o'''.  WiLL^  Downe.  David  Collson.  y  Select  Men. 

1735.  Edw.  Bromfield.      Alex^  Forsyth) 

[168.]     Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted. 

And, 

At  the  Instance  and  Desire  of  Mess"^^  Joseph  Marion  and  Will- 
iam Wheeler  jun^  being  Present,  This  Minute  is  Entred,  Viz'.  That 
They  Consent  to.  Promise,  and  Oblige  themselves  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns,  to  perform  their  part  According  to  the  Report  of  the 
Select  Men,  now  Accepted- 
Voted,  That  this  Minute  be  Entred  in  the  Records  of  Boston 
accordingly. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  relating  to  the  Affair  of  Mr. 
Hill's  Lease Read.     And  is  as  follows.  Viz*. 

Pursuant  to  the  above  Vote,  We  have  taken  the  Affair  of  Mr. 
Hill's  Lease  under  further  Consideration,  And  are  still  of  Opinion, 
That  Mr.  Hill's  Title  is  clear ;  It  being,  as  We  apprehend,  Part  of 
the  Land  formerly  in  the  Possession  of  Mr.  William  Teft,  And  by 
the  Heirs  of  the  said  Teft  recover'd  out  of  the  Towns  Hands  by  a 
Judgment  of  the  Superior  Court  in  May,  1705. 

We  are  also  of  Opinion,  That  the  Land  now  in  the  Possession 
of  Mr.  Hill,  is  the  Land  Leased  to  Henry  Allen,  referr'd  to  in  said 
Vote,  as  far  as  We  are  capable  of  Judging. 

Boston,  John  Jeffries.  Jon"^  Armitage  ")  o  i    j. 

Aug.  5.  WiLL^  DowNE  David  Collson  y  ^r 

1735.  Edw  Bromfield.       Alex^  Forsyth  J 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  relating  to  Frauds  in  Cording  of 

Wood Read 

And  is  as  follows.  Viz' 

Pursuant  to  the  Above  Vote,  We  have  Considered  the  same, 
And  are  of  Opinion,  That  if  Two  pence  p  Cord  be  allowed  to  the 
[169.]  Sealers,  and  they  be  Obliged  to  Attend  their  Duty,  so  as  to 
View  and  Seal  each  Range  of  Wood,  as  it  is  Corded,  Or  as  the 
Carts  take  it  off  the  Wharf,  it  will  be  a  Means  of  Preventing  the 

Injuries  Complained  of 

Boston,     John  Jeffries.  Jon^*-  Armitage.  "|       s  i     f 

July  23.    Will*'  Downe.  Alex''  Forsyth.  [      -x/i        ' 

1735.    Edw.  Bromfield.       David  Collson.  j 

The  Question  being  put,  Viz'.  Whether  this  Report  Should  be 
Accepted  ? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

Upon  a  Motion  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  for  Providing 
Preaching  at  the  Alms  House. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  the  Reverned  the 


114  City  Document  No.  66. 

Ministers  of  the  Town,  And  to  Desire  They  would  take  their  Turns  in 
Preaching  the  Gospel  to  the  Poor  in  the  Alms  House. 
Voted,  That  Jacob  Wendell  Esq''. 

John  Ruck  Esq''. 

Henry  Bering  Esq"". 

William  Tyler  Esq"". 

John  Hunt  Esq'. 

Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood. 

Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood,  and 

Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard, 

Overseers  of   the  Poor,  together  w*  Samuel  Welles  Esq'. 

be  the  Said  Committee. 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  desired  to  Continue 
the  Reverend  Mr.  John  Adams  in  Preaching  to  the  Poor  in  the 
Alms  House,  Until  the  mind  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Town  On  this 
Affair  be  Reported  to  the  Town  by  the  said  Committee  at  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider,  What  might  be  proper  for 

them  further  to  do  towards  setting  up  a  Work  House And, 

The  Act  of  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly For 

Employing  and  Providing  for  the  Poor  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
being  Read. 

[170,]     Voted,  That  the  further  Consideration  of  this  Affair 

be  deferr'd,  until  the  Adjournment  of   this  Meeting. And 

The  Gentlemen  the  Committee  are  Desired  in  the  mean  time  to 
make   what   Progress   They  can   in  Obtaining  Subscriptions   for 

Erecting  a  Work  House And  That  They  Report  thereon  to 

the  Town  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

.    Voted,  That   this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  the  15'^  of 

August  Current,  At  Three  of  the  Clock,  afternoon. 

August,  15'\  1735. 
The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion  from  the  Committee  Appointed  to  Draw  up 
a&,Ans,\\^r  to  the  Petition  of  John  Bowles,  Thomas  Tilestone,  and 
Others,  As  Entred  the  5th.  of  August  instant.  Presented  the  same 

^  W'hich  being  Read, 

Voted,  That  a  Number  of  Gentlemen  be  Chosen  and  Added  to 
this    Committee,  And    That  they  take   this  Affair   under  further 
Consideration,  And  anew  Draught  the  Answer  to  the  Said  Petition, 
and  lay  tlie  same  before  the  Town,  for  their  Consideration. 
Voted,  That  the  Number  be  three. 
Voted,  That  Mess"  Nathanael  Cunningham. 
Thomas  Cushing,  Jun'.  & 
Samuel  Welles  Esq'. 
be  accordingly  Added  to  the  former  Committee. 

The  Town  entring  upon  the  Consideration  of  some  passages  in 
the  Draught  presented  by  the  Committee,  and  after  debate  thereon. 
[171.]     The  following  Questions  were  put.  Viz'. 
Quest.  1.     Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town  That  the  Com- 
mittee, in  new  draughting  the  Answer  to  said  Petition,  be  Silent, 
As  to  Jurys  giving  Special  Verdicts  ? 


Boston  Town  Records,  1735.  115 

Voted,  111  the  Affirmative. 

Quest.  2.  Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town,  That  the  said 
Committee  in  their  new  Draught  Should  insert  anj'  thing  that  may 
have  a  Tendency  towards  Raising  the  Salar3's,  or  Fees  of  those 
that  are  in  the  Administration  of  Justice? 

Voteil,  In  the  Negative. 

Jacob  "Wendell  Esq"  from  the  Commiitee  appointed  to  wait  upon 
the  Reverend  the  Ministers  of  the  Town,  As  Entred  the  5th 
instant,    Reported,  That   They    had    Accordingly    Attended    that 

Service And  also  laid   before  the  Town,  A  Letter  to  the 

Committee,  Signed,  Benjamin  Colman,  In  the  Name  of  the  Asso- 
ciated Pastors. Which  was  Read.     And  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Boston,  August,  14.  1735. 
To  the  Honourable  the  Committee,  chosen  by  the  Town,  at 
their  Meeting  on  the  Fifth  of  this  IMonth,  to  Desire  the 
Ministers  of  the  Town  to  take  their  Turns  in  Preaching 
the  Gospel  to  the  Poor  in  the  Aims-House. 

Gentlemen 

The  Ministers  of  the  Town  have  this  Day  Considered 
of  the  Towns  Desire,  and  hold  Themselves  Obliged,  wherein  they 
are  able  [173.]  To  Minister  unto  the  Poor  of  the  Town  in 
General,  and  to  the  poor  People  in  the  Aims-House  in  particular, 
as  well  as  unto  Those  of  their  respective  Flocks.  And  altho'  We 
should  have  been  Well  pleased,  if  the  Town  had  seen  good  to  have 
Continued  the  Worthy  and  Reverend  Mr.  Adams  in  the  Service  of 
Said  House  ;  being  a  Person  in  Our  Esteem  excellently  Spirited 
to  have  Served  the  Poor  there  with  all  Humility  of  mind.  And  to 
have  naturally  cared  for  their  Souls  ;  Yet  We  submit  to  the  Plens- 
ure  of  the  Town  Signified  to  us  in  their  late  Vote,  So  far  as  may 
Consist  with  our  other  Pastoral  Duties  to  the  Flocks  to  which  we 
stand  related. 

We  think  it  proper  at  the  same  Time  to  remind  the  Freeholders 
and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town, 

That  after  our  best  Cares  and  Endeavours  in  Times  past  to 
Preach  in  our  Turns  to  the  Poor  in  the  Aims-House,  We  have 
seldom  been  Able  to  go  thro'  Our  courses  :  And  now.  Some  of 
Your  Ministers  are  more  Advanced  in  Years,  And  others  labouring 
under  Bodily  Infirmities,  And  three  of  Our  Number  are  alone  in 
the  Pastoral  Offices,  And  therefore  cannot  so  well  Undertake  to 
Serve  in  their  Turns,  as  is  Desired  : 

Nevertheless,  the  most  that  can  be  Expected  of  Us,  Under 
these  disabling  Circumstances,  Will,  We  trust,  be  willingly 
rendered  by  Us  (by  the  Help  of  God)  if  the  Town  .should 
not  be  perswaded  to  Think,  As  We  do.  That  the  Concerns 
of  the  precious  Souls  of  these  poor  People  would  be  better 
Serv'd  l)y  the  Ministry  of  some  Suitable  Person  Statedly 
Em|)lov'd   among   them. 

We  do  Ourselves  the  Honour  [173.]  Humbly  to  Subscribe,  As 
in  Duty  bound. 

Your  Servants  for  Jesus  Sake, 

Benjamin  Colman 
In  the  Name  of  the  Associated  Pastors. 


116  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Upon  the  Affair  of  Erecting  a  Work  House  and  after  some 
Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  farther  Consideration  thereof  be  referr'd  to  the 
Next  Town  Meeting,  And  in  Order  thereto,  That  it  be  incerted  in 

the  Warrant  for  CalliDg  the  same, And  the  Committee  are 

Desired  in  the  mean  time,  to  go  forward  with  the  Subscriptions 
therefor. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeliolders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  Warned  according  to  Law, 
being  regularly  Assembled  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town 
House,  upon  Monday,  December,  1st.  1735. 

Voted,  That  the  Hon''^^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq"  be  the  Moderator  of 
the  present  Meeting. 

The  Select  Men  made  the  following  Motion,  Viz'  That  Application 
be  made  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  in  Order  to  Obtain  an 
Abatement  of  the  heavy  Tax  which  is  laid  upon  the  Town  of 
Boston. 

Voted  Unanimously,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Prepare 
something  relating  to  the  Motion  by  them  now  made,  and  lay  it 
before  the  Town  at  the  next  Town  Meeting,  for  their  Considera- 
tion, and  [174.]  That  the  said  Motion  be  Inserted  in  the  Warrant 
for  Callino-  said  Meetins;. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  the  5th  and  15th  of 
August  last  past,  to  Draw  up  an  Answer  to  the  Petition  of  John 
Bowles,  Tho\  Tileston  and  Others,  For  making  Boston  a  County 
by  it  self,  being  Presented,  and  Read  as  follows,  Viz'. 

")       To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq''.  Cap- 
Province  of    I  tain  General  &  Governour  in  Chief,  The  Hon*^^^. 
the  Massachu-  )-  the  Council  and  Hon'^^'^.  House  of  Representatives 
setts  Bay  Sc.    |  in  General  Court  Assembled    at   Boston  the  19"* 
J  Nov.  1735. 

The  Answer  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  to  the 
Petition  of  several  Representatives  in  and  of  the  County  of  Suf- 
folk for  dividing  the  County  of  Suffolk  and  making  Boston  a 
County  by  it  self,  with  their  Reasons  against  it. 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  are  Humbly  of  Opinion, 
That  it's  most  Advantageous  both  for  them  and  also  for  the  Rest 
of  the  Towns  of  that  County  to  be  held  in  One  County  still,  upon 
Several  Aceompts. 

I.  For  the  Ends  of  Friendship,  Trade,  and  Business.  For  these 
Common  and  Usual  Assemblys  of  the  Courts  in  Boston,  Gives  Men 
decent  Opportunitys  for  Friendly  Society  and  Matters  of  Trade  and 
Business,  and  certainly  Unites  us  more  in  Our  Affection,  and 
promotes  our  Mutual  Interest  and  Wealth. 

II.  For  the  Ends  of  Justice,  and  Law Because  [175.] 

1".  The  more  we  are  United,  the  more  Uniform  and. steady  will 
the  Rules  of  Justice  in  Onr  Courts  be,  For  all  men  do  not 
Apprehend  things  alike,  Different  Courts  will  have  different 
Apprehensions  in  particular  Cases,  and  that  will  Naturally  breed 
different  Rules  of  Justice  upon  particular  Circumstances,  and  this 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1735.  117 

tends  to  Render  Justice  unsettled  and  precarious  in  the  several 
Places,  When  as  if  these  several  Courts  were  United,  most 
probably  the  Truth  would  prevail,  and  the  Rules  of  Justice  be 
more  steady,  and  this  plainl}^  appears  in  the  strong  and  Steady 
Administi'ation  of  Justice  in  the  Supream  Courts  of  the  Kingdom. 
21y.  The  more  We  are  United,  the  more  Our  Judges,  by  the 
Recompeuce  now  allowed  them,  will  be  Enabled  to  Study  the  Law 
And  furnish  themselves  still  further  with  Power  agreeable  to  their 
Place  and  Duty.  Their  Business  and  Office  requires  a  steady 
Application  Not  only  to  the  immediate  administration  of  Justice 

in  the  several  Sessions  of  Our  Courts But  to  the  Books  of 

the  Law,  to  Instruct  their  minds  and  form  their  Judgments,  That 
their  Administrations  of  Justice  may  be  the  more  conformable  to 
the  Universal  Reason  of  all  Mankind.  Now  the  bigger  our 
Counties  are,  the  more  Contracted  will  the  Business  be,  the  Fees 
and  Prolits  of  the  Judges  be  shared  among  the  fewer,  And  the 
more  Business  dispatch'd  in  less  time  and  that  continued  without 
interruption  and  wasteful  vacancys  interposed. 

As  to  the  Reasons  for  Dividing  the  County, We  Humbly 

Conceive  them  to  be  of  no  weight. 

For  Instance, 
1^'  The  Charge,  they  say,  is  great  in  the  long  Attendance  of  Wit- 
nesses and  Jurors,  Especially  at  the  Superiour  Court.  But  the 
Remedy  is  Easy  and  plain,  Namely,  That  there  be  Four  Terms  of 
the  Superiour  Court  in  a  Year,  wliich  is  now  come  to  be  of  abso- 
lute Necessity,  and  will  be  found  a  vast  advantage  to  Common 
Justice  and  [176.]  Right,  and  if  need  be  the  Justices  of  that 
Court  upon  a  Motion  can  set  the  Days  of  Tryal  for  such  Actions 
as  specially  need  it,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Court  and  put  up  the 
Actions  every  day  for  Tryal  that  day.  And  by  this  means  the  At- 
tendance of  Witnesses  and  Jurors,  will  be  Eased  Sufficiently  for 
many  years,  And  it  is  but  to  Order  more  Jurys  to  Attend  the 
Court  at  several  times.  As  is  constantly  done  by  the  best 
Ordered  Courts  of  the  Nation,  And  they  may  Attend  as  short  a 
Time  as  shall  be  desired,  tho'  the  Courts  be  ever  so  long. 

21y.  The  Business  of  Boston,  they  saj",  is  very  different  from 
that  of  the  Country,  whereby  Cases  may  be  determined  wrong  for 
want  of  Understanding,  particularly  of  Charter-partys  and  other 
Affairs  of  Trade. 

But  this  seerns  to  be  a  very  indigested  Reason,  For  All  these 
Actions  are  Transitory  and  may  be  laid  in  any  County  ;  And 
therefore  by  Dividing  the  County,  111  designing  Men  Shall  have  an 
Advantage  to  Carry  their  Actions  into  the  dark,  when  they  please. 
And  by  a  special  Provision  and  Establishment  of  Law. 

Wherefore,  We  are  Humbly  of   Opinion It  will   always 

best  Serve  the  Intentions  of  Justice  to  have  Jurys  composed  of 
Men  of  Probity',  and  good  Understanding,  Capable  to  receive,  and 
digest  the  Arguments  of  the  several  Councils,  And  particular  Ob- 
servations of  the  Judges  upon  the  whole.  And  withal  Severally 
Acquainted  with  the  several  Affairs  that  may  come  before  them, 
That  they  may  Assist  and  Aid  One  another,  in  every  Matter  to  be 
Tryed  by  them. 


118  City  Document  No.  66. 

Wherefore,  Upon  the  whole  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston  are 
Humbly  of  Opinion,  That  it  is  not  for  the  Wealth,  and 
Welfare  of  the  People  to  have  [177.]  This  County  divided 

And  therefore  Pray  it  may  not. 

Humbly  Presented  to  the  Town  by  Us  of 
the  Committee  for  that  Purpose. 
John  Read. 
Jos.  Marion. 
W**  Stoddard 
John  Fayerweatukr 
Samuel  Welles. 
Nath^,  Cunningham 
Thomas  Cushing  Jun^. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted And  That  the 

Select  Men  be  Desired  to  Present  the  Same,  when  fairly  trans- 
cribed. To  the  Great  and  General  Court,  As  the  Reasons  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  against  Dividing  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  Northerly  part  of  the 
Town,  Praying,  that  a  floor  may  be  laid  in  the  Market  place  there, 

for  Reasons  mentioned  in  Said  Petition, Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted,  And  That 
the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to  take  care  to  have  the  same  Effected, 
at  the  Charge  of  the  Town. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

[178.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitaiits 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  and  warned  according  to 
Law,  being  regularly  AssemlDled  in  Public  Town-Meeting,  at  the 
Town-House,  on  Monday,  Dec.  29.  1735, 

Voted,  That  the  Hon'^'^^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq'',  be  Moderator  of  the 
present  Meeting. 

The  Select-Men  (Agreeable  to  a  Vote  of  the  Inhabitants  the 
first  instant)  laid  before  the  Town,  the  Heads  of  a  Petition,  which 
They  thought  might  be  proper  to  be  Presented  to  the  General 
Court,  to  move  them  to  make  an  Abatement  Of  the  heavy  Tax 
laid  on  the  Town  this  present  year. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  draw  up  a  Memorial  or  Peti- 
tion to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  for  an  Abatement  of  the  Tax 

laid  on  the  Town  this  Year -And  lay  the  same  before  the 

Town  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  for  their  Consideration. 

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five.  Ac- 

cordingly 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham, 
Mr.  Andrew  Tyler 
Mr.  John  Walker 
Capt.  John  Steel,  and 
Mr.  Nathanael  Balston 
be  the  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  and  Assessors  be,  and  hereby  are 
Desired  to  Assist  the  said  Committee  in  the  Affair. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  relating  to  Reviewing  the 
Actions  I'espectiug  the  Town  Dock. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1735.  119 

[1*79. J  Voted,  That  the  Affair  of  bringing  forward  a  Review- 
in  the  Cases  relating  to  the  Town  Dock,  be  Referr'd  to  the  Con- 
sideration of  the  Inhabitants  at  their  Annual  Town-Meeting  in 
March  next. 

The  Petition  of  Several  of  the  Inhabitants,  presented  to  the 
Select  Men  Pra3'ing,  That  the  state  of  the  long  Wharf  may  be 
duly  Examined  into,  and  Enquiry  made.  Whether  or  no,  the  Right 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  relating  to  the  same,  has  not  been 
notoriously  Violated,  And  that  some  Methods  may  be  pursu'd  to 
prevent  the  like  Impositions  for  the  Future.     Read. 

A  Question  was  accordingly  put  to  the  Town  Viz'.  Whether 
The}'  would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  for  the  End  set 
forth  in  the  said  Petition  ? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  the  Committee  be  Five. 

Voted,  That  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq"^. 
Capt.  John  Steel 
Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Jun"". 
Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham,  and 
William  Clark  Esq--. 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  Report  to  the  Town  on  this 
Affair,  at  their  Annual  Meeting,  in  March  next. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  next,  at 
Four  of  the  Clock,  after  Noon. 

The  Town  being  Assembled 


Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham  from  the  Committee  appointed 
the  29""  of  Dec.  last  past,  to  Draw  up  A  Memorial,  or  Petition  to 
the  General  Court,  relating  to  the  heavy  Tax  laid  on  the  Town, 

Presented  the  same,  Which  was  Read And  is  as  follows, 

Viz'. 

[180,]  To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq""  Captain 
General  and  Governoiir  in  Chief  The  Honourable  the 
Council  and  the  Hon"^^^  House  of  Representatives  of  His 
Majesty's  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New 
England,  in  General  Court  Assembled,  the  first  day  of 
January  1735. 

The  Petition  of  His  Majesty's  Liege  Subjects,  the  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston. 
Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  Whereas  the  very  heavy  and  almost  insup- 
portable Province  Tax  which  hns  been  laid  upon  the  Inhabitants 
of  said  Town  of  Boston  for  some  years  past,  have  been  so  great 
and  burdensom,  that  Tlicy  have  not  been  able,  without  the 
Utmost  didieulty  to  discharge  the  same. 

Wherefore  Your  Petitioners  most  Humbly  beg  leave  to  lay 
before  Your  Excellency  and  Honours  the  deploral^le  Estate  of 
said  Town,  And  in  Order  to  expose  the  miserable  Circumstances 
thereof  to  Your  Excellency  and  Ilonours  View,  they  beg  leave  to 
Observe . 

I.    The  Great  decay  of  Our  Trade  in  General  Which  is  very 


120  City  Document  No.  66. 

obvious  from  the  great  Declension  of  the  principal  and  most 
valuable  branches  thereof  for  many  j-ears  past,  which  branches 
made  this  Town  appear  with  a  different  face  to  what  it  does  at 
present,  And  as  the  Encouragement  of  these  Branches  were  our 
great  advantage,  So  We  really  find  by  unhapp^^  experience,  the 
Discouragement  of  them  to  be  vejy  Distressing,  And  We  Apprehend 
will  be  more  so,  Unless  Your  Excellenc}'  and  Honours  shall  be 
Able,  in  Your  great  Wisdom  to  find  out  some  Relief  to  make  up 
to  Us  the  deplorable  loss. 

[1.81. 3  We  would  now  beg  leave  to  Observe  upon  the 
Branches  of  Our  Trade,  refer'd  to 

1.  Our  Distillery,  which  was  for  many  Years  a  most  flourishing- 
Trade  in  the  Town,  And  maintain'd  not  only  abundance  of  People, 
but  likewise  abundance  of  Vessels  in  carrj'ing  off  large  quantities 
of  Our  Country  Produce  and  in  lieu  thereof  making  Returns  in 
Molasses,  and  that  in  Our  own  Vessels,  at  moderate  prices,  by 
which  means  We  were  enabled  to  Export  very  large  quantities  of 
Rum  to  almost  all  parts  of  British  America,  more  especially  to 
Newfoundland,  Which  gave  Us  opportunity  to  make  large  Remit- 
tances to  London,  which  help'd  us  in  a  great  Measure  to  discharge 
great  part  of  the  Debt  Owing  from  this  Province  to  Ballance  their 
Trade  to  that  City  &c..  Not  only  so,  but  all  our  Naval  Stores  from 
North  Carolina,  and  Cargoes  of  Rice  and  other  Merchandizes 
from  South  Carolina,  as  well  as  most  of  Our  Grain,  Flour,  and 
man}'  other  Commodities  from  Other  places  We  receiv'd  in  lieu  of, 
or  exchange  for  Rum  of  Our  Own  Distilling :  But  the  Act  of 
Parliament  laying  such  Duties  upon  Foreign  Molasses  imported 
into  His  Majest3''s  Plantations,  Hath  put  it  out  of  the  power  of 
Our  Trade  to  import  any  Mollasses  upon  such  terms,  which  has 
been  the  means  of  lessening  the  Distillery  of  this  Town  at  least 
One  half.  So  that  Whereas  this  Town  and  Province  before  the 
Act  might  reasonably  have  been  allow'd  to  gain  many  Thousand 
Pounds  p  Annum  by  the  Distillery,  They  do  not  now  more  than 
maintain  themselves. 

2.  Our  Cod  Fishery,  which  for  many  Years  past  have  Employ'd 
abundance  of  Men  and  Vessels,  and  enabled  the  Town  to  carry 
on  a  very  great  Trade,  by  supplying  all  sorts  of  neeessarys  for 
carrying  on  catching  and  curing  and  exporting  the  same,  is 
become  so  heavy  an  Article,  both  in  Europe  and  West  Indies,  the 
price  being  so  very  low,  Occasion'd  by  the  French,  who  not  only 
catch  vast  quantities,  but  cure  it  much  better  than  We  do,  And 
the  cheapness  of  their  Labour  and  Materials  for  catching  and 
curing  the  same,  Enable  them  to  undersell  us  at  most  of  the 
Markets  in  Europe,  by  which  means  the  Fish  here  does  not  bear 
a  price  Sufficient  to  discharge  the  Cost  in  catching  and  curing. 
And  at  [183.]  Present  remains  under  such  discouragement,  that 
it's  much  to  be  feared  that  there  will  not  be,  the  Year  ensuing, 
near  Two  Thirds,  of  the  Fishery'  kept  up,  as  has  been  carried  on 

for  many  Years  past And  as  this  Valuable  Trade  lessens, 

the  Trade  of  Boston  must  necesarily  lessen  in  proportion. 

3.  Our  whole  Trade  to  the  West  Indies  and  back  to  this  Port 
is  reduced  to  so  low  an  Ebb,  and  that  without  any  visible  pros- 


Boston  Tow]^f  Records,  1735.  121 

pects  of  it's  ever  flowing  again,  that  it  labours  under  the  Utmost 
discouragement,  For  it's  generally  Allow'd,  that  Our  whole  Trade 
thither  and  directly  back  to  Boston  upon  an  Average  does  not 
discharge  the  first  Outsets,  And  nothing  saves  that  Trade  from 
utter  Ruin,  but  Freights  from  thence  to  London,  and  that  seldom 
to  be  depended  upon.  And  even  that  is  so  small  an  Advantage 
that  it's  much  to  be  feared  the  Generous  Adventurers  will  soon  be 
Obliged  to  lay  aside  their  Trade  and  Navigation  and  save  some 
part,  before  their  whole  Interest  be  utterly  lost,  Unless  they 
can  Receive  such  Pnblick  Encouragement,  as  will  induce  them  to 
continue  the  same. 

4.  The  Trade  to  London,  tho'  it's  Our  Duty  to  Contribute  All 
in  Our  Power  toward  the  Wealth  and  Grandeur  of  Our  Mother 
Countr}',  Yet  what  We  receive  cheifly  from  thence  serves  iu  a 
great  measure  to  expose  our  Inhabitants  to  censure  and  extraor- 
dinary Taxes,  for  the  abundance  of  European  Goods  sent  over 
hither,  from  the  Nature  of  Our  Trade  exposes  the  Inhabitants  to 
appear  in  extravagant  Garbs,  Who  would  gladly  avoid  the  same, 
were  the}'  to  receive  Money  in  lieu  of  their  Labour,  Manufacture 
and  Trades  :  But  inasmuch  as  they  cannot  be  paid  but  by  Notes 
to  Shops  which  cannot  be  avoided,  tho'  allow'd  to  be  verj*  perni- 
cious, And  altho'  very  great  quantities  of  extravagant,  unneces- 
sary European  Goods  are  impoi'ted  yet  they  contribute  nothing 
toward  the  Support  of  the  Publick  Charges  :  But  the  most  part 
thereof  are  Owned  by  Merchants  iu  London  [183.]  And  con- 
signed to  their  own  Factors  here,  and  no  advantage  reaped  by 
them,  but  b}'  the  Ship-builders  and  a  few  Tradesmen,  Whereas 
We  Apprehend  this  Town  is  Taxed  as  tho'  said  Goods  were  Owned 
by  the  immediate  Possessors,  but  in  Truth  all  We  get  by  them  is 
the  Commissions,  and  very  often  much  less,  after  the  Returns  are 
made  Our  Trades-Men  of  all  denominations  (Except  the  Ship- 
builders, and  that  only  this  present  year)  having  very  little  Em- 
ployment, and  yet  verj-  heavily  Taxed  and  are  under  the  utmost 
discouragements,  the  want  of  Money  without  which  no  Country 
can  possibly  subsist,  is  so  scarce  and  hardly  to  be  Obtain'd,  thnt 
there  is  not  One  half  sufficient  to  carry  on  the  Ti-ade  of  the  Prov- 
ince &c.  We  Humbly  Apprehend,  Unless  Your  Excellency  and 
Honours  afford  us  Relief,  and  out  some  means  to  Ease  Us  of  Our 
Taxes,  which  We  are  not  able  to  pay,  And  Encourage  the  decay- 
ing Trade  of  this  Province,  We  have  great  Reason  to  fear,  a  very 
few  years  will  reduce  this  Town  to  the  greatest  distress  and 
misery. 

11.  We  would  further  beg  leave.  Humbly  to  Observe  in  a  par- 
ticular Manner  the  many  instances  in  which  this  Town  is  Exposed 
to  Publick  Charges,  and  altho'  several  of  them  are  not  immediately 
Provincial,  yet  they  are  so  many  and  so  great  as  renders  them  less 
able  to  pay  the  whole. 

1.     The  Maintenance  of  the  Poor  of  the  Town  is  a  very  great 

and   growing   Charge. For  Whereas  in    the   Years,    1728, 

1729,  the  Charge  was  but  Nine  Hundred  Forty  four  Pounds  each 
Year,  it  amounted  in  the  Year  1734,  to  Two  Thousand  Sixty  Nine 
Pounds,  Ten  Shillings  for  the  Poor  of  the  Almshouse  and  others 


122  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Supported  at  the  Publick  Charge.  There  was  then  Eighty  Eight 
Persons  in  the  Ahushouse,  and  but  One  Third  part  of  them  Town 
born  Children,  So  that  Two  Thirds  of  the  Charge  is  One  Thousand 
Three  Hundred  Seventy  Nine  Pounds,  Thirteen  Shillings,  and 
Four  pence  for  Poor  Persons  who  are  crept  in  amongst  Us,  And 
which  We  doubt  not,  Your  Excellency  and  Honours  will  have 
[184.]  Due  Consideration  of.  And  that  the  Burden  may,  As  We 
apprehend  it  ought  to  be  proportionably  born  by  the  Province. 
And  We  would  further  Observe  that  the  Additional  Number  of  the 
Town  Inhabitants  is  chiefly  Owing  to  the  resort  of  all  sorts  of 
poor  People,  which  instead  of  Adding  to  the  wealth  of  the  Town, 
serve  only  as  a  Burden  and  continual  Charge,  and  which  is  as 
frequently  complaln'd  of  by  the  Inhabitants,  but  without  having  it 
in  their  Power  to  repell  or  prevent  the  growing  Evil.  For  We  Ap- 
prehend it  cannot  be  concluded  against  Boston,  that  they  ought  to 
be  Assessed  according  to  the  additional  Numbers  of  her  Inhabi- 
tants, Unless  their  Additional  Number  brought  with  them  an 
equivalent  proportion,  of  Wealth  to  support  the  Charge,  which  is 
evident  they  do  not,  by  the  Encrease  of  the  Numbers  abated  their 
Rates  annually.  And  it  is  Observable  that  many  Inhabitants  of 
good  Circumstances  are  gone  out  from  Us,  And  many  indigent 
Poor  have  fiU'd  the  vacancy,  and  encreas'd  our  Polls. 

2.  The  Watch  of  the  Town  of  Boston  is  a  very  great  Charge 

■ Amounting   to  no  less   than  Twelve  Hundred    Pounds    p 

Annum,  Which  great  Charge  is  not  only  very  Serviceable  to  the 
Town,  but  likewise  to  the  Province,  by  reason  this  Watch  is  a 
very  great  Security  to  all  Merchandize  imported  belonghig  to 
many  other  Persons  at  Home  and  in  Foreign  parts,  as  well  as  all 
the  Produce  brought  from  the  Country,  and  belonging  to  th;;  In- 
habitants thereof,  as  well  as  all  Vessels  continually  Trading  hither 
from  Other  Ports. 

3.  The  Support  of  the  Ministry  of  the  Town,  by  a  moderate 
Computation  amounts  to  Eight  Thousand  Pounds  p.  Annum. 

4.  The  Other  Charges  of  the  Town  above  what  has  been  already 
Noted  is.  Four  Thousand  Six  Hundred  and  Thirty  Pounds  p. 
Annum,  Besides  Our  Proportion  of  the  Count}'  Charge  this  year  is 
One  Thousand  Six  Hundred  Eighty  Two  Pounds,  [185.]  Nine- 
teen Shillings  and  Two  pence,  the  whole  amounting  to  the 
Sum  of 

5.  The  Impost  was  Originally  designed  for  to  maintain  the 
Pi-ovince  Galley,  and  altho'  that  Cause  was  removed  many  Years 
past,  Yet  the  Effect  still  remains,  which  is  a  very  great  Burden  to 
the  Mercantile  part  of  the  Province,  but  more  especially  to  the 
Town  of  Boston,  considering  the  additional,  Tax  of  Fourteen 
Hundred  Pounds  this  Year.  It  is  frequently  Objected  that  altho' 
Merchants  originally  pay  an  Impost,  Yet  they  are  fully  repaid  by 

the  Consumer. Altho'  that  Argument  may  possibly  Subsist 

as  to  the  part  of  such  Goods  as  are  consumed  here.  Yet  We 
humblj'  Apprehend  there  is  no  Argument  for  Retaining  the  Im- 
post upon  such  Goods  as  are  re-exported,  and  which  is  a  very 
great  Burden  upon  the  Importer,  For,  all  such  Goods  in  London 
imported,  upon  which  there  is  a  Duty,  there  is  a  Drawback,  pro- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1735.  123 

vicled  Snch  Goods  are  re-exported  in  a  limited  time,  But  here, 
there  is  no  provision  made,  Unless  the  Goods  are  not  landed,  and 
exported  in  the  same  bottom,  which  is  a  verj^  great  hardship  upon 
the  Importers,  by  reason  a  very  great  part  of  such  Goods  are  re- 
exported by  the  Original  Importers,  and  others,  And  therefore 
We  cannot  but  hope  We  shall  meet  with  such  Relief  A?  the 
Nature  and  Justice  of  this  Observation  calls  for. 

6.  The  Bounty  upon  Hemp  and  Flax  will,  As  We  Apprehend, 
Amount  to  a  very  large  sum  Annuall}',  And  Altho'  it  will  be  a 
General  Good  lo  the  whole  Province,  yet  ver}^  far  from  being  an3' 

immediate  Advantage  to  the  Town  of  Boston For  as  it  is 

raised  in  the  Country,  So  they  may  Manufacture  it  there  if  they 
please,  nay  carry  it  into  any  other  Government,  and  still  receive 
the  Bounty,  AVhen  at  the  same  time  Boston  pays  agreeable  to  our 
proportion  of  the  Province  Tax  in  times  past.  Above  One  Sixth 
part,  which  is  like  to  be  a  very  heavy  Article,  but  more  Especiall}' 
inasmuch  as  the  same  is  to  be  paid  in  Money  by  a  Tax  upon  her 
Inhabitants,  Whereas  the}'  cannot  possibly  conceive  how  they  can 
obtain  the  money  to  pay  it  with.  For  the  unhappy  situation  of 
Our  Affairs,  especially  in  respect  of  Money,  fills  every  Ones  mind 
with  the  fears  of  very  terrible  consequences. 

[186.]  Wherefore,  We  Humbly  Apprehend,  That  We  cannot 
possibly  set  the  present  distressing  Circumstances  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  this  Town  in  a  clearer  Light  than  by  Acquainting  Your 
Excellency  and  Honours  of  the  Report  made  to  a  Committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  Town,  by  the  Collectors  of  the  Publick  Rates  and 
Taxes, Which  Stands  thus, 

1735.  Capt.  Daniel  Pecker,  to  Collect,  Six  Thousand  Six  Hun- 
dred Pounds  ;  to  pay  in  One  Half  by  the  10"^  of  January  current, 
Or  liable  to  an  Execution.     And  yet  has  not  been  able  to  Collect 

more  than  Two  Hundred  an  Ten  Pounds, There  remains 

due  Six  Thousand  Three  Hundred  and  Ninety  Pounds. 

Mr.  Nathanael  Barber  to  Collect,  Two  Thousand  Six  Hundred 
Pounds  ;  to  pay  in  One  half  by  the  aforesaid,  l(j"^  January,  other- 
wise liable  to  an  Execution,  has  not  been  able  to  Collect  more  than 

One  Hundred  and  Eighty  Pounds There  remains  due.  Two 

Thousand  Four  Hundred  and  Twenty  Pounds. 

Dr.  William  Rand  to  Collect,  Seven  Thousand  and  Sixteen 
Pounds  ;  and  to  pa}'  One  Half  by  the  10*  January,  or  liable  to  an 
Execution,  has  not  been  able  to  Collect  more  than  the  Sum  of, 

Five  Hundred  and  Twenty  Six  Pounds, There  remains  due. 

Six  Thousand  Four  Hundred  and  Ninety  Pounds. 

And  the  aforesaid  Collectors  say,  the  general  Complaint  is  by 
the  Inhabitants,  that  they  are  Over  Taxed  very  much,  in  the 
l^i-ovince  Tax,  in  proportion  to  other  Towns,  and  have  not  Money 
Neither  know  they  where  to  get  it,  and  the  Collectors  further  Add, 
That  they  have  no  prospect  of  being  alile  to  Collect  the  i-espective 
Sums  allotted  to  them  Unless  they  distrain  upon  the  Goods  and 
Chattels  of  the  Inhaljitants. 

Wherefore  Your  Petitioners  IIuml)ly  Pray  Your  Excellency  and 
Honours  would  be  I'leased  to  take  their  distressed  Circumstances 
into  Your  most  Wise  and  Serious  Consideration,  And  make  Us 


124  City  Document  No.    QG. 

Such  Abatements  upon  the  Taxes  laid  Upon  Us  the  Year  past,  and 
Reduce  future  Taxes  to  such  moderate  [187.]  Sums,  as  that  it 
maj^  be  in  the  Power  of  Your  Petitioners  chearfully  to  pay.  And  as 
in  Your  Great  Wisdom  You  shall  adjudge  most  just  and  equal. 

And  Your  Petitioners,  as  in  Duty  bound,  Shall  Ever  Pray,  &c. 

Nath'^'  Cunningham. 
John  Walker. 
Boston,  Jan.  1.  1735.  Andrew  Ttler. 

Nathanael  Balston. 
John  Steel. 
Voted,  That  this  Memorial,  or  Petition  be  Accepted. 
Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  be,  and  hereby  is  directed  —  For, 
and  in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  Sign  the  said  Petition, 
when  fairly  Transcribed,  And  Present  the  same  to  the  Great  and 
General  Court. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  Given  to  the  Gentle- 
men the  Committee,  for  their  great  Pains  in  Draughting  the  Peti- 
tion, now  by  them  presented. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  according  to  Law, 
being  regularly  Assembled  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town 
House,  on  Tuesday-,  February,  8d.  1735. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  a  Town  Meeting  being  Read. 

The  Honourable  Elisha  Cooke  Escf  was  Chosen  Moderator. 

A  Grant  of  the  Great  and  General  Court  to  the  Town  of  Boston,^ 
of  Three  Tracts  of  Land,  each  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square, 
for  Town  Ships Read,  Which  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

[188.]  At  a  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  for  His 
Majesty's  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in 
New  England  begun  and  held  at  Boston,  upon 
Wednesday  the  Twenty  eighth  of  May,  1735,  and 
continued  bj"  several  Adjournments  to  Wednesday 
the  Nineteenth  Day  of  November  following. 

The  following  Vote  (on  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston) 
passed  both  Houses,  and  consented  to  by  the  Governour :  Viz',  on 
the  29"^  of  December,  1735. 

Voted,  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to  the  Town  of 
Boston,  Three  Tracts  of  Land  each  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
Square,  and  to  be  laid  out  in  some  Suitable  Place  or  Places  in  the 
Unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Province,  for  Townships,  by  a  Sur- 
veyor and  Chainmen  on  Oath,  and  to  Return  Plats  thereof  to  this 
Court  for  confirmation  within  Twelve  Months.  Provided  the  Town 
of  Boston  do  within  Five  years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  sev- 
eral Plats  Settle  on  each  of  said  Towns  Sixty  Families  of  His 
Majesty's  good  Subjects  Inhabiting  this  Province,  and  in  as  regular 
and  defensible  a  Manner  as  the  Lands  will  admit  of,  flach  of  Said 
Sixty  Familys  to  build  and  finish  a  Dwelling  House  on  his  Home 
Lot,  of  the  following  dimensions.  Viz'.  Eighteen  feet  Square  and 
Seven  feec  Stud  at  the  least,  That  Each  of  the  said  Settlers  wit) i in 
said  Term  bring  to,  fit  for  Improvement  Five  Acres  of  said  Home 


BosTox  To"\^Tsr  Records,  1735.  125 

Lot,  either  by  Plowing,  or  to  Mowing,  by  Stocking  the  same  well 
with  English  Grass,  and  Fence  the  same  well  in,  and  actualh*  live 
ou  the  spot,  And  also  Build  and  finish  a  Suitable  and  convenient 
House  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God,  and  Settle  a  learned  ortho- 
dox Minister  in  Each  of  said  Towns,  and  provide  for  their  honour- 
able and  comfortable  Support,  and  also  lay  out  Three  [189.] 
House  Lots  in  Each  of  said  Town's,  each  of  which  to  Draw  a  sist}' 
third  part  of  said  Town,  in  all  future  Divisions,  One  to  be  for  the 
first  Settled  Minister,  One  for  the  Ministrj^  and  One  for  the  School ; 
And  in  Order  that  the  Conditions  of  this  Grant  may  the  more 
Efiectnally  be  complyed  with.  Ordered,  That  Elisha  Cooke  Esq. 
Mr.  Oxenbridge  Thacher,  Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Jun'  and  Mr. 
Timothy  Prout,  with  such  as  the  Honourable  Board  shall  appoint, 
be  a  Committee  full}'  Authorized  to  Admit  Settlers,  And  to  take 
of  each  Settler  a  Bond,  in  the  Sum  of  Twenty  five  Pounds  for  the 
Performance  of  the  Conditions  so  far  as  relates  to  their  respective 
Lots,  which  Bond  Shall  be  made  Payable  to  the  Province  Treas- 
urer ;  And  in  case  any  of  the  Lots  in  any  One  of  the  Town  ships 
hereby  Granted,  shall  not  be  settled  in  time  and  Manner  as  is 
above  provided,  then  such  Lot  with  the  Rights  belonging  thereto, 
shall  Revert  to,  and  be  at  the  Disposition  of  the  Government. 

Voted  by  the  Honourable  Council,  That  John  Jeffries,  Jacob 
Wendell,  and  Samuel  Welles  F^sq".  be  Joyned  to  the  Committee 
of  the  Honourable  House  for  admitting  Settlers,  &c. 

A  True  Copy, 

Examined 

p  Thad.  Mason,  Dep'.  Secr^. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee,  to  Inspect, 
Survey  and  Plat  Three  Tracts  of  Land,  agreeable  to  the  said  Grant 
suitable  for  Town- ships  and  with  what  speed  they  conveniently 
may  or  can,  and  that  They  make  Report  thereof  to  the  Town  as 
soon  as  may  be.  

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  the  Committee  be  Three. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Gershora  Keyes 

Mr.  John  Checkley  and 
Capt.  Robert  Temple 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

[190.]  And,  Whereas,  at  the  Motion  of  the  Representatives 
of  this  Town,  the  Select  Men  did  Seasonably  Employ  John  Jones 
of  Hopkinston  Esq.  and  Mr.  Samuel  Chandler  of  Concord,  to  look 
out  for  some  Tracts  of  Land,  suitable  for  the  Settlement  of  Three 
Townships. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired>  to 
Enquire  of  those  Gentlemen,  how  far  they  have  proceeded  in  that 
Afifair,  and  to  Advise  with  them,  or  Others,  in  their  further  pro- 
ceeding.  

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of 
Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  warned  According  to  Law,  regularly 
Assembled  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  On 
Monday  March  the  8'".  1735. 


126  City  Document  No.  66. 

Prayer  being  made  bj^  the  Reverend  Mather  Byles 

And 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Town  Meeting  Read The  In- 
habitants proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  A  Moderator. Accord- 
ingly The  Votes  being  Collected,  It  Appeared  That  The  Hon'"'''  Elisha 
Cooke  Esq^  was  Chosen  Moderator  of  the  Meeting,  Unanimously. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read 

Sundry  Petitions,  Proposals  &c.  Read 

and  Sundry  Motions Made. 

The  Petitions  of  John  AYalloy  Esq   &  Samuel  Salter. 
Of  Mr.  John  Lovcl. 
Of  Mrs.  Mary  Sharrow. 
Of  Mrs.  Abihail  Chamberlain. 
Of  Sundry  Inhnbitants,  Viz'. 
For  a  Fish  Market. 
For  Paving  Green  Lane. 
[191.]      Of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Paving  Orange  Street. 
For  Paving  Beer  Lane. 
Of  the  Towns  Watch  Men. 
Of  the  Masters  of  the  Water  Engines. 
Report  of  the  Select  Men,  of  Visitation  of  the  Schools. 

Of  the  Registring  Births  and  Deaths,  from  the  Min- 
utes of  the  late  Town  Clerk And  also 

Of  the  present  great  Neglect  of  the  Inhabitants  in 
Registring  Births  and  Deaths. 
Report  of  the  Committee  on  Rumney  Marsh  Petition 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion's  Proposal. 
Mr.  Jonathan  William's  Motions,  Relating  to  his  Care  of 

the  Granary And  for  the  better  Regulation  of 

the  Cows,  on  the  Common. 

The  Moderator  made  a  Motion,  Relating  to  the  Marsh  at  the 
bottom  of  the  Common,  near  Fox  Hill,  That  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  thereon  in  Mar.  1733,  might  be  Re- 
vived   

Mr.  Marion  made  A  Motion,  for  Addressing  the  General 
Court  for  Liberty  to  bring  forward  A  Writ  of  Review 
in  the  Case  between  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  Thomas 

Palmer  Esq^ 

Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham,  made   a   Motion,  That  the 
Petition  lately  Presented  to  the  General  Court,  for  A 
batement  of  the  Tax  on  this  Town,  might  be  Read. 
The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Officers. 
Samuel  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  Ensuing, 
and  Sworn. 


Voted,  To  Chuse  Seven  Select  Men. 

The  Votes  being  collected  and  sorted,  it  Appeared  that, 

The  Hon'"^  John  Jeffries  Esq' 

Joshua  Winslow  Esq"". 

Capt.  William  Downe 

Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage,         J- Select  Men. 

Mr.  David  Collson 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth,          | 

Capt.  .John  Eastwick  J 

Were  Chosen  Select  Men,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 


Boston  To^at^  Eecoeds,  1735.  127 

[193.]  The  Hon"^  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq^  was  Chosen 
Town  Treasurer,  for  the  Year  Ensuing,  and  Sworn. 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  Desu-ed  to  Attend 
this  Meeting  in  the  Afternoon,  to  give  Their  Opinion  with  respect 
to  Dividing  the  Town  into  Twelve  Wards. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  Three  of  the  Clock, 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  Being  Assembled. 

Joshua  TVinslow  Esq"",  and  Capt.  William  Downe  Excusing 
themselves  from  Serving  as  Select  Men,  the  Year  Ensuing, 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Two  Select  Men  in  their 
Room. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  and  Sorted,  it  Appear'd  That 

Capt.  Caleb  Lyman,  and      ]  o  ^     ^  ht 
-XT     T^  „„  n^    1  ^Select Men. 

Mr.  Jonas  Clarke,  J 

were  Chosen  Select  Men,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Jacob  \yendell  Esq',  in  the  Name  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
Reported  to  the  Town,  That  'twas  Their  Opinion,  It  would  be 
much  for  the  Service  of  the  said  Town  that  it  be  divided  into 
Twelve  "Wards,  and  Proposed  the  Military  Division  of  the  Town, 
to  their  Consideration. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen,  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  a 
Committee  to  project  a  Division  of  the  Town  into  Twelve  "Wards, 
and  to  make  their  Report  thereof  Tomorrow,  in  Order  to  the  Town's 
proceeding  thereon. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Seven  Assessors.     Accordingly 
Mess".  Daniel  Loring  ^ 

James  "Watson. 
John  Staniford 
Richard  Buckley  y 

[193.]  Peter  Thomas 

Joshua  Blanchard  and 
James  Gold 
"Were  Chosen  Assessors,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  the  High  "Ways, 
the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Kent,  be  the  Constable  for  the  District 
of  Rumney  Marsh,  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,    That   Mess".    Elisha   Tuttle    and  1    -c,  ^r- 

Samuel  Pratt      }  ^^"^^  Viewers. 
be  Fence  Viewers  for  Rumney  Marsh. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Hasey,  be  Sealer  of  Leather  for  Rumney 
Marsh. 

Voted,  That  Mess"  Charles  Bill  and  }  ^t 

Samuel  Maxwell  j  Hogreves. 

be  Ilogrcves,  for  Rumney  Marsh. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Laithe,  be  Haward,  or  Field  Driver,  for 
Rumney  Marsh. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Kent,  be  Collector  of  Taxes  in  Rum- 
ney Marsh,  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Brintnal,  be  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and  Flax, 
within  this  Town,  the  Year  Ensuing. 


128 


City  Document  No.  66. 


Voted,  To  Chuse  Twelve  Constables,  distinct  from  Collectors. 


Voted,  That  Mess' 


[194.] 


-  Sworn 
-Pay 
-Pay 

-  Appeal 

-  P^xcus'd 

-  Pay 
-Pay 

-  Sworn 


►  Constables. 


.  Thomas  Paine  -     -  Pay 

John  Hammock  -     -  Pay 

Christopher      Kilb}- 
Jun^  p^  1731 

Malachi  Salter   - 

John  Phillips 

John  Maylem 

Edward  Tyng     - 

John  Wakefleld- 

Elias  Dupee  -     - 

John  Webster    - 

Edward  Bulkley- 
be  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  'till  Tomorrow  Morning,  at 
Nine  of  the  Clock. 


> 


Clerks  of  y" 
Market. 


Were  Chosen  to  be 


Sealers  of  Leather. 


The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mess".  Samuel  Marshall  ^ 

Adam  Winthrop  Jun'.      { 
John  Flowers  | 

Samuel  Gibbins 
James  Barnard 
Joseph  Turell 
Thomas  Greenough 
Richard  Salter 
Clerks  of  the  Market,  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Mess'^^  Samuel  May 

Robert  Williams 
James  Dawson 
William  Young 
Joshua  Dodge 
Nathanael  Hodgdon 
Were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather,  the  year  Ensueing 
Mess"  Francis  Warden 
Joseph  Russell 
William  More 

Bartholomew  Sutton  )-      Fence    Viewers 

Roger  Stainer 
John  Endicot 
Joseph  White 
Were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers,  the  year  Ensuing 
[195.]    Mess".  Edward  Moberly       ) 
William  Paine  j 

Edward  Richards 
Thomas  Foster 
Joshua  Thornton  j 
Matthew  Barnard  J 
Were  Chosen  Viewers  of  Shingles,  Meas".  of  Boards  &c. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  James  Read  and  Others,  Masters  of 
the  Water  Engines  in  the  Town,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the 
Companies    belonging   to  them,   Praying  they  may  be  Excused 


Viewers  of  Shingles  &c. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1735. 


129 


from   serving   in   Other   Offices,    the    year    Ensuing,    us    u^ual, 

Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 


^ 


Hogreves. 


J 


Scavengers. 


Mess".  Richard  True 
Ezekiel  Carver 
William  Young 
William  Hunt 
Were  Chosen  Hogreves,  for  the  j-ear  Ensuing. 
Mess".  William  Williams 
Joseph  Cowel 
Benjamin  Salisbury 
Harrison  Gray 
John  Taylor 
Thomas  Boucher 
William  Rand 
Jacob  Holyoke 
Daniel  Pecker 
Henry  Gibbs 
Skinner  Russell 
John  Bennet 
Thomas  Jackson 
George  Monk 
Nathanael  Gardner 
Were  Chosen  Scavengers,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

[196.]     Voted,  That  Mr.  Richard  —  Carter  Cowel  be  Haward, 
or  Field  Driver,  the  j^ear  Ensuing. 

The  Select  Men  proposed  to  the  Town,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice 
of  Ty thing  Men,  if  they  saw  meet. 
Mess".  James  Jeffs   -     -     - 
John  Boylston     -     - 
Thomas  Phillips  -     - 
John  Caswall  -     -     - 
Henry  Price   ------     Sworn 

Samuel  Wentworth  Jun"".   -     -     Sworn  ^ 
Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired,  to 
Visit  the  several  Public  Schools  in  the  Town,  Taking  with  them 
Such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

And  that  They  Report  to  the  Town  what  Condition  They 

find  them  in. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  John  Walley  Esq"",  and  Samuel  Salter, 
Praying  the  Town  to  Reinburse  to  them  the  Sum  of  Thirteen 
Pound,  Sixteen  Shillings,  One  penn}',  disbursed  by  them  in 
the  year  1723,  for  Paving  in  Water  Street,  as  set  forth  in  said 
Petition  ; 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 
Voted,  That  the  Town  will  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  County 
Treasurer,  at  Five  of  the  Clock  After-Noon  ;  As  also  A  Register 
of  Deeds  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  ;  And  to  Consider  of  Raising 
Money  to  Defray  the  Charges  of  the  Town  the  year  Ensuing. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  on  Rumney  Marsh  Petition 

Bead. 


Pay 

Pay 

Sworn 

Pay 


>■  Constables. 


130  City  Document  No.  6G. 

[197.]  Upon  the  Petition  of  Mary  Sharrow,  in  behalf  of  Her 
Husband  George  Sharrow,  One  of  the  Constables  of  Boston,  and  a 
Collector  of  Rates  and  Taxes  in  the  ye:ir  1732,  Who  being  fallen 
in  Arrears  with  the  Treasurers  has  Absented  himself,  lor  more 
than  Two  years  last  past,  Praying,  That  her  said  Husband  may  be 
permitted  to  return  Home  and  with  Freedom  follow  his  Business 

as  formerly Proposing  (thereupon)  to  Pa}'^  in  to  the  Town 

Treasury  Thirty  Pounds  (at  the  least)  Every  Year  until  the  whole 
of  his  Debt  be  Paid  and  Discharged. 

In  Answer  to  said  Petition  ; 

Voted,  That  upon  Mr.  Sharrow's  Return  Home,  to  Bos- 
ton, The  Town  will  not  Pursue  him  in  the  Law,  for  the 
Arrears  due  from  him  to  the  Town,  Upon  his  Paying  the 
Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  p  Annum,  uutil  the  whole  of  his  said 
Debt   be   Paid. 

A  Memorial  of  Samuel  Gerrish,  Town  Clerk,  Presented  to  the 
Select  Men;  Setting  forth,  That  According  to  Their  Order,  He 
had  Registred,  Four  Thousand  Three  Hundred  and  Forty  five, 
Births  and  Deaths,  from  the  Minutes  kept  by  Samuel  Checkley 
Esq'',  the  late  Town  Clerk,  Viz*  from  the  Year  1721  to  the  year 
1733,  inclusive,  Which  said  Memorial  the  Select  Men  laid  before 
the  Town,  in  Order  for  an  Allowance  to  be  made  for  said  Service 

And  The  following  Question  being  put.  Viz'.  Whether  the 

Town  would  Allow  a  certain  Sura  to  Samuel  Gerrish  in  Considera- 
tion of  his  Registring  the  Births  and  Deaths  Entred  in  Col°  Check- 
ley's  Minutes? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  Paid  out 
of  the  Town  Treasury,  to  Samuel  Gerrish,  in  Consideration  of  his 
Registring  the  Births  and  Deaths  above  mentioned. 

Mr.  John  Level's  Petition,  Read,  and  withdrawn. 

[198.]  A  Memorial  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  a  strip 
of  Land  at  the  Southerly  End  of  (5ross  Street,  Desiring  the  same 
might  be  left  in  Common  and  un-encumber'd,  as  being  commodi- 
ous and  well  Situated  for  a  Fish-Market Read,  And  The 

following  Question  being  put,  Viz' 

Whether  the  Town  would  Grant  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

The  Petition  of  Abihail  Chamberlain  —  Widow  of  Jacob  Cham- 
berlain, late  Constable  of  Rumney  Marsh,  Deceas'd.  Read  And 
in  Answer  thereto 

Voted,  That  Sis  Months  be  further  Allow'd  the  Petitioner 
Abihail    Chamberlain  to  make  up   tier  Account  with  the   Town 

Treasurer And  the  Assessors  are  hereby  also  Impower'd  to 

make  such  Abatements  as  they  shall  Judge  proper. 

The   Petition   of   Matthias   Cowdrey,    Abia    Holbrook    &c.    in 

behalf  of  themselves  and  Others,  Watchmen Praying  for  an 

Addition  to  their  pay  and  wages,  for  reasons  mentioned. 

Read And  the  FoUovping  Question  being  put.  Viz'  Whether 

the  Town  make  an  Addition  to  the  Pay  or  Salaries  of  the  Watch- 
men, According  to  their  Petition? 

Voted,  Jn  the  Negative. 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1735.  131 

Upon  Complaint  That  the  Watch  at  the  Fortihcation,  is  Useless, 
and  Occasions  an  Unnecessary  Charge  to  the  Town, 

A  Question  was  put.  Viz' 

[199.]     Whether  the  Town  would  Continue  the  said  Watch? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

Mr.  Josepli  Marion's  Proposal Read. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  'till  the  After-Noon,  at  Three 
of  the  Clock. 

Afternoon,  being  Assembled. 
Mr.  John  Perry  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market, 
in  the  Room  of  Mr.  Adam  Wiutlirop  Jun''  who  was  Excused, 

The  Petitions  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Paving  in  Several 
Streets,  Viz'  Orange  Street,  Green  Lane  and  Beer  Lane,    Read. 

Whereas  the  Consideration  of  Bringing  forward  Writs  of  Review 
in  the  Cases  between  the  Town  of  Boston  and  James  Everill's 
Heirs,  relating  to  the  Town  Dock,  was  Referred  to  this  Meeting 

And  a  Consideration  Accordingly  had 

Voted,  That  it  be  left  with  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town,  for 
the  Time  being,  To  bring  forward  Writs  of  Review  in  the  Actions 
relating  to  the  Town  Dock  as  aforesaid.  Whensoever  They  shall 
think  fit.  Yet  so  seasonably  withal,  as  to  prevent  the  danger  of 
being  fore  closed  by  any  Error  which  may  possibly  happen  in  the 
said  Writs. 

Mr.  Marion's  Motion  for  Addressing  the  General  Court,  for 
Liberty  to  bring  forward  a  Writ  of  Review,  in  the  Case  between 

the  Town  and  Thomas  Palmer  Esq'. Being  Considered, 

[200.]  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  De- 
sired and  Directed  to  Prefer  a  Petition  to  the  Great  and  General 
Court,  for  Liberty  to  bring  forward  a  Writ  of  Review  of  an  Action 
between  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  Thomas  Palmer  Esq""  for  Pos- 
session of  a  certain  Tenement  or  Ware  House,  Situate  On  the 
Town  Dock,  and  now  in  the  Occupation  of  William  Owen  and 
others. 

Mess"  Thomas  Hawden     -     -    Pay, 

Benj-cimin  Goldthwait,  Sworn, 
Thomas  Clark  -  -  -  Sworn 
James  Gibson  -  -  -  Sworn 
John  Ludgate  -  -  -  Sworn  j 
John  Tucker  -  -  -  ExcusdJ 
Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esq''  in  the  name  of  the  Over-Seers  of  the  Poor, 
A  Committee  Appointed  As  Entred  Yesterday,  Having  Projected 
a  Division  of  the  Town  into  Twelve  Wards,  Presented  the  same  ; 

Which  was  Read  And  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  the  8th.  Instant,  Desir- 
ing the  Over-Seers  of  the  Poor  to  Divide  the  Town  into 
Twelve  Wards,  They  have  accordingly  Attended  that  Ser- 
vice  And  are  of  Opinion  That  the  following  Division 

will  l)est  serve  the  same And  Propose  to  begin  with  — 

N°.  1.  From  Charlestown  Ferry  on  both  sides  of  Prince  Street 
to  Gee's  Corner,  and  the  Westerly  Side  of  Salem  Street,  Crossing 


Constables. 


132  City  Document  No.  66. 

Over  and  taking  in  the  Westerly  side  of  Henchman's  Lane  to  the 
Water  side,  and  round  the  Beech  to  the  Ferry  Place  again. 

[301.]  From  the  lower  end  of  Henchman's  Lane  up  the  South 
side  thereof,  Crossing  over  to  Elder  Baker's  Corner  down  Salem 
Street  as  far  as  the  Reverend  Doctor  Cutler's,  and  thence  down 
Love  Street  and  Foster  Lane  the  North  sides  into  Ship  Sti-eet,  in- 
cluding both  sides  thei'er)f.  As  far  as  Henchman's  Lane,  to  which 
Rumney  Marsh  is  annex'd. 

3.  From  the  North  East  Corner  of  Love  Street,  runing  up  the 
South  Side  of  it  thro',  by  the  Reverend  Doctor  Cutler's  and  down 
Salem  Street  to  Peirce's  Corner  and  up  Prince  Street  on  the  North 
side.  Crossing  over  thro'  Bell  Alley  as  far  as  Mr.  Mountforts 
Corner,  and  so  to  the  Dolphin  Tavern,  thence  taking  Fish  street 
on  both  sides  as  far  as  Foster  Lane,  including  the  south  side  of 
said  Lane. 

4.  From  the  North  East  Corner  of  Prince  Street,  running  down 
the  south  side  as  Boucher's  Corner,  and  then  on  both  sides  of  the 
Way  to  the  Mill  bridge,  and  from  thence  on  the  West  side  of 
Middle  Street  to  Prince  Street,  taking  in  the  Square  from  Cox's 
Corner  down  the  North  side  of  Wood-Lane  thro'  Bell  Alley  to 
Capt.  Wadsworth's. 

5.  From  the  North  East  Corner  of  Wood  Lane  on  the  South 
side  into  Middle  street,  running  on  the  North  side  to  the  Mill 
Bridge,  and  then  beginning  at  Byles's  Corner  in  Anne  Street  on 
both  sides  the  Way  including  tlie  Dock  and  thi-o'  Fish  Street  on 
both  sides  the  Way,  as  far  as  the  Red  Lion  Wharf. 

6.  From  the  Mill  Bridge  on  both  sides  of  Hanover  Street  to 
Bradford's  Corner,  Crossing  Over  to  Cold  Lane  and  thence  run- 
ning to  Jacksons  Still  House,  Returning  thro'  Kneeland's  Lane 
into  Sudbury  Street  taking  in  the  Easterly  side  as  far  as  the 
Orange  Tree  and  then  running  down  Hanover  street  on  the  West- 
erly side  as  far  as  Bradford's  Corner  and  thence  on  the  North  side 
of  Wing's  Lane  into  Union  Street  on  both  sides  to  the  Mill- 
Creek. 

[303.]  7.  From  Barton's  point,  thro'  Leverett's  Street  and 
Green  Lane  and  Cambridge  Street  on  both  sides,  taking  in  the 
Southerly  Side  of  Hawkins's  Lane  and  round  into  Sudbury  Street 
the  Westerly  Side,  Crossing  into  Southack's  Court,  and  thence 
Crossing  the  Hill  to  the  Water  side. 

8.  From  the  South  East  Corner  of  Wing's  Lane  running  upon 
the  Southerly  side  of  it,  and  so  on  the  Easterly  Side  of  Hanover 
Street  and  then  running  down  on  the  Northerly  side  of  Queen  and 
King  street  on  the  Long  Wharf,  and  thro'  Merchant's  Row, to  Mr. 
Jackson  (the  Brasiers)  Shop,  taking  in  Dock  Square. 

9.  From  Mr.  Bowdoin's  Corner  in  Treamount  Street,  taking  in 
the  Westerly  Side  of  Beacon  Street  down  to  the  bottom  of  the 
Common,  then  taking  the  North  side  of  School  and  Milk  street,  as 
far  as  Horn  Lane,  thro'  Water  street  to  Oliver's  Dock,  running 
thro'  Mackarel  Lane,  and  then  including  the  South  sides  of  King 
and  Queen  Streets. 

10.  From  Mr.  Secretary  Willard's  running  down  on  the  North 
side  of  Rawson's  Lane  crossing  over  to  Penniman's  Corner  running 


Boston  Town  Records,  1735.  133 

down  on  the  Northerly  side  of  Summer  street  as  far  as  Cow  Lane, 
and  so  over  the  Hill  as  far  as  the  northerly  Side  of  Mr.  Hubbard's 
Land,  and  then  round  by  Hallowell's  Shipyard  to  Milk  street, 
thence  running  on  the  Southerly  side,  including  the  South  Meeting 
House  Square,  and  then  taking  in  the  South  side  of  School  Street. 

11.  From  the  South  Corner  of  Rawson's  Lane  down  the  Com- 
mon, as  far  as  West  street,  thence  running  down  the  North  side 
of  Pond  Street  and  Blind  Lane  into  Summer  Street,  thro'  Barton's 
Rope  Walk  as  far  as  Mr.  Hubbard's  thence  [203.]  Up  the  Hill 
and  then  down  Cow  Lane,  the  South  East  side  into  Summer  Street, 
and  then  the  Southerly  side  of  Summer  Street,  thence  Crossing 
over  and  taking  the  Westerly  side  of  Marlborough  Street  as  far  as 
Rawsons'  Lane,  including  the  South  side  of  said  Lane. 

12.  From  the  School  House  in  the  Common  down  the  South 
side  of  Pond  Lane  as  far  as  the  Bull  Wharf  including  the  whole 
to  the  Southward. 

All  which  is  Humblj'  Submitted,  by 

Your  Humble  Servants. 

Jacob  Wendell. 
William  Tyler. 
Jeffery  Bedgood. 
John  Hill. 
Boston  9'''.  Mar.  1735.  Thomas  Hubbard. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  said  Committee  be  Accepted 

And  that  the  Town  of  Boston  be,  and  hereby  is  Divided 

into  Twelve  Wards  or  Districts  according  to  the  said  Report;  And 
that  it  so  remain  and  continue,  Until  the  Town  shall  see  Cause  to 
alter  the  same. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  till  Tomorrow  at  Nine  of  the 
Clock  in  the  Morning. 

The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mr.  Richard  Barnard,  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the 
Market,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Twenty  Pounds  be  Allow'd  to  Mr.  Jonathan 
Williams  Out  of  the  Granary  Stock,  in  Addition  to  his  Salary, 
For  his  Care  of  the  Towns  Granary,  the  Year  past. 

[304.]  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams's  Motion  relating  to  the  better 
Regulation  of  the  Cows,  going  on  Boston  Common,  Came  under 
Consideration,  

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  pro- 
ject some  Draught  for  Regulating  the  Cows,  going  upon  the 
Common  in  Boston,  And  Present  the  same  to  the  Town  at  their 
next  General  Meeting  for  Consideration. 

Mess".  William  Phillips      -     -     .     -     Sworn      ") 

Harbottle  Dorr       -     -     -     -     Sworn      >-  Constables. 

Ral|jh  Hart  ------     Sworn      j 

were  Chosen  Constables,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Select  Men  having  Reported  to  the  Town  at  this  present 
Meeting,  the  Notorious  Neglect  of  the  Inhabitants,  in  Registring 
Births  and  Deaths,  According  to  a  Law  of  this  Province  in  that 
Case  Provided  :     It  is  Therefore, 


134  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  be,  and  hereby  is  Ordered  and 
Directed  to  take  Care  that  the  Law  for  Registring  Births  and 
Deaths  be  duly  Ol^serv'd  in  this  Town  ;  And  That  He  Posecuter 
in  the  Law  Such  Persons  as  Shall  or  Do  neglect  the  same. 

The  Town  Proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Collectors  of  the  Rates 

and  Taxes The  Votes  being  sorted  It  Appear'd,  That 

Capt.  Daniel  Pecker       ~) 
Mr.  William  Rand  V  Collectors. 

Mr.  Nathauael  Barber    ) 
Were  Accordingly  Chosen  Collectors  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

[305.]  Voted,  That  Nine  pence  upon  the  Pound  be  allow'd. 
and  Paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  to  the  Collectors  of  Rates  and 
Taxes,  for  the  Year  Ensuing,  They  giving  Sufficient  Security,  to 
the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select-Men,  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of 
their  Trust. 

The  Affairs  of  the  Markets  coming  Under  Consideration,  relat- 
ing to  the  Continuance  of  Clerks  for  the  Year  Ensuing  —  And  the 
Allowance  for  their  Service  the  Year  past  &c.  Upon  which  the 
following  Questions  were  propos'd.     Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  would  Continue  a  Clerk  for  the 
North  IMarket,  the  Year  Ensuing? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  would  Continue  a  Clerk  for  the 
Middle  Market,  the  Year  Ensuing  ? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  would  Continue  a  Clerk  for  the 
South  Market,  the  Year  Ensuing? 

Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  the  Ringing  of  Bells  at  the  Opening  of  the  Mar- 
kets, be  Discontinued. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  Allowed  and  Paid  to 
Each  of  the  Three  Sextons,  for  Ringing  the  Market  Bells  the  Year 
past. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  allow'd  and 
Paid  to  Mr.  John  Foster,  the  Clerk  of  the  North  Market,  for  his 
Service  the  year  past. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  [206.] 
Allow'd  and  Paid  to  Capt.  James  Watson  the  Clerk  of  the  Middle 
Market,  for  his  Service  the  Year  past. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  Allow'd  and 
Paid  to  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby,  the  Clerk  of  the  South  Market, 
for  his  Service  the  Year  past. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Twelve  Overseers  of  the 

Poor The  Votes  being  Collected  and  Sorted,  It  Appeared 

That  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Office.     Viz'. 
Jacob  Wendell  Esq''. 
John  Ruck  Esq"". 
Henry  Dering  Esq'. 
William  Tyler  E3q^ 
John  Hunt  Esq''. 
Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood. 
Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1735.  135 

Capt.  John  Hill. 
Mr.  Tliomas  Hubbard. 
Capt.  Daniel  Henchman. 
Capt.  Joshua  Cheever. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield. 
Mr.  John  Checkley  Proposing,  That  the  Affair  of  the  Markets, 
Pass'd   upon  in  the   Morning,  might  be   Reconsidered,  And   the 
Motion  being  Seconded,  A  Question  was  put.  Viz'. 

Quest.     AVhether  the  Town  would  have  the  Votes  relating  to  the 
Markets,  past  in  the  Morning,  Reconsidered? 

Which   Vote  being  Challenged,  and  a  Poll  demanded,  It  was 

propos'd 

[^07.]     Whether  That  Affair  should  be  Decided  by  a  Poll? 
Voted.     In  the  Affirmative. 

Accordingly,  The   Voters   being   Separated  and   Numbred,  It 
Appear' d  and  was  Declared,  That  the 

TVT      ,         *  T7-  t         (  Por  Reconsidering     -     _     _     _     _     138. 

^^"^^^^' °^  ^«^^^'«- 1  Not  Reconsidering 135. 

Voted,  That  the  Affair  be  Adjourned  'till  Four  of  the   Clock 
Afternoon,  this  Day. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  half  an  Hour  after 
Three  of  the  Clock,  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  Being  Assembled. 
Voted,  That  The   Report  of  the   Committee  for   Auditing  the 
Town  Treasurer's  Accounts  for  the  Year  past,  be  Accepted ;  And 
the  Treasurer  accordingly  discharged. 
Voted,  That  Job  Lewis  Esq"". 
Mr.  Hugh  Vans, 
Edward  Hutchinson  Esq"^. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esq^  and 
George  Craddock  Esq^ 
be  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts,  the  Year 
Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One         ndred   and  Fifty  Pounds   be 

AUow'd  and  Paid  Out  of  the  Town  Treasury'  to  Joseph  Wadsworth 

Esq''.  Town  Treasurer,  for  his  Service  in  that  Office  the  Year  post. 

The  Time  Appointed,  According  to  Order  for  Reconsidering  the 

Votes  past  in  the  Morning,  respecting  the  Markets being. 

Come A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded,  Viz'.   That  the 

mind  of  the  Town  might  be  known.  Whether  They  would 
Reconsider  the   Affair    [^08.]    Respecting    the  Three    Markets 

Separate    and    Singly,    or.    Altogether Accordingly    The 

Votes  being  Collected,  Sorted  and  Numbred  It  Appeared, 
That  the  Number 

For  Reconsidering  the  Votes.    ■<  ...  °  ,        '  '   ,oo' 

°  (  Smgle  -     -     wei-e,   128. 

After  Debate It  was  put  to  the  Vote  Viz'* 

Wiiether  it  be  the   Mind   of   the   Town  to  Continue  to  Chase 

Three  Clerks  of  the  Markets  for  the  Year  Ensuing Accord- 

ingl}'.  Those  for  Continuing  them  were  directed  to  write,  Yea. 
And  those  who  were  for  Discontinuing  them,  Nay. 


136  City  Document  No.  Q6, 

And  Upon  Collecting,  Sorting  and  Numbering  the  Votes,  It 

Appear'd  there  were,  676. 

Voters Of  which  Number  were,  278. 

Yea. and  398,  Nay. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  written  Votes  for  a 
County  Treasurer  (for  Suffolk)  which  being  Collected  were  Ac- 
cording to  Law,  Sealed  Up  by  Constable  Thomas  Clark by 

Him  to  be  kept  and  return'd  unto  the  next  Quarter  Sessions  to  be 
held  for  said  County. 

Voted,  To  Adjourn  this  Meeting  'till  Tomorrow,  at  Three  of  the 
Clock,  Afternoon. 

The  Town  being  Assembled. 
The  several  Petitions  for  Paving Read And  a  Ques- 
tion put.  Viz'. 

Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town,  to  Eaise  any  Money,  to  be 
disposed  of,  or  laid  out  in  New  Paving,  the  Year  Ensuing  ? 
Voted,  In  the  Negative. 

[309.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded. 
Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  of  Five  Persons  To  take  under 
Consideration,  and  to  Project  Some  Method  for  the  better  and 
more  Effectual  Watching  the  Town  of  Boston  ;  and  whereby  also 
the  Inhabitants  may  be  Eased  of  considerable  part  of  the  Charge 
and  Expence  They  are  now  at,  in  Maintaining  and  supporting  the 

Watch And  that  they  be  desired  to  make  Report  thereof, 

at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood. 

Mr.  Jacob  Parker. 

John  Faj^erweather  Esq"^. 
Mr.  Thomas  Lee  —  and 

Mr.  John  Barrel 

be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid 

Voted,  That  the  Raising  of  Money  to  Defray  the  Charges  of  the 
Ensuing  Year,  be  Referr'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

A  List  of  the  Twelve  Wards  or  Districts,  into  which  the  Town 
is  now  Divided,  with  a  Proposal  for  their  respective  Assignment, 
Each  one  to  the  care  of  a  particular  Overseer,  being  presented, 

was  Read As  follows,  Viz'. 

Number,  One  John  Ruck  Esq^ 

Two  Capt.  Samuel  Greenwood. 

Three  Capt.  Joshua  Cheever. 

Four  William  Tyler  Esq^ 

Five  Capt.  Daniel  Henchman. 

Six  Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard. 

Seven  Capt.  Jeflery  Bedgood. 

Eight  Henry  Dering  Esq''. 

Nine  John  Hunt  Esq"". 

Ten  Jacob  Wendell  Esq"". 

Eleven  Mr.  Edward  Bromfield. 

Twelve  Capt.  John  Hill. 

[310.]  The  foregoing  Scheme  or  Disposition  of  Wards  being 
Approved 


Boston  Town  Records,  1730.  137 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted ;  Aad  That  the  said  par- 
ticular Wards  be,  and  hereby  are  Assigned  to  the  more  Especial 
Oversight,  Authority  and  Care  of  Each  of  the  said  Overseers 
Accordingly 

The  Freeholders  proceeded  to  bring  in  Their  Votes,  for  A 
Register  of  Deeds  and  Conveyances  of  Land  within  the  County  of 

Suffolk Which   being    Collected,  were,  according   to  Law 

Sealed  up,  by  Constable  Thomas  Clark,  by  him  to  be  kept  and 
Returned  unto  the  next  Quarter  Sessions  to  be  held  for  said 
County.  , 

Voted,  That  the  Other  Affairs,  not  as  yet  Passed  On,  At  this 
Meeting,  be  Referr'd,  for  Consideration,  At  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the  Law  directs,  regularly 
Assembled  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  upon 
AVednesday  the  28"^.  April,  Anno  Domini,  1736. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Peter  Thatcher, 
And 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting  Read 

The  Hon'''^  John  Jeffries  Esq'  as  Moderator  [311.]  Of  the 
Select  Men,  and  in  Their  Name,  Informed  the  Town,  As  follows, 
Viz' 

By  the  Laws  of  this  Province,  The  Power  of  Regulating  this 
Meeting,  for  the  Choice  of  Representatives,  is  wholly  vested  in 
the  Select  Men 

But,  as  there  are  Other  Affairs  of  the  Town  to  be  Transacted, 

which  will  require  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator If  the  Town 

shall  think  it  best,  At  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  to  Chuse  One 

We  Consent  to  it ;  Saving  to  ourselves  the  Right  of  giving 

Directions  for  the  Regular  and  orderly  Carrying  on  the  Affairs  of 
said  Meeting,  Which  by  Law  We  are  possessed  of. 

Accordingly,  A  Question,  was  put  to  the  Town,  Viz'.  Whether 
The}-  would  Now  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  A  Moderator? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

The  Town  then  Proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  A  Moderator,  by 
written  Votes  ;  Which  being  Collected,  It  Appeared,  That, 

The  Hon'''^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq^  was  Chosen  Moderator,  by  a  great 
Majority. 

A  Motion  being  made  and  seconded,  It  was  Proposed  to  the 
Town,  Viz'  Whether  They  would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four 
Representatives. 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  and  Number'd,  The  Voters  were 
found  to  be, 266. 

The  Number  of  Voters  being  first  declared  by  the  Select  Men, 
They  proceeded  to  sorting  the  Votes,  By  which  it  Appeared, 
That  the  following  Gentlemen  were  duly  Elected,  Viz'. 

The  Hon'''<=  Elisha  Cooke  Esq^     -     -     Numb'  of  Votes  250 
Mr.  Oxe  abridge  Thacher ..-_  200 


138  City  Document  No.  66. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushiug  Jun^ ,--  248 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 249 

[213.]     The  Select  Men  having  Declared  the  Choice  of  the 

Representatives 

The  Moderator  took  His  Place,  And  the  Town  proceeded  to  the 
Other  Business  of  the  Meeting. 
Sundry  Petitions,  Read 
and  Motions,  made.  Viz*. 

The  Hon"^  Elisha  Cooke  Esq""  made  a  Motion  (which  was 
Seconded)  Viz'.  That  In  Consideration  of  the  great  Diffi- 
culties  the  Town  of  Boston  labours  under,  on  many  Ac- 
counts, the   said  Town  would   Give    Instructions    to  their 
Representatives. 
Mr.  John  Lovel's  Petition     ---------  Read. 

A  Petition   of    sundry  Inhabitants,  Proprietors   of   Lands 

abutting  on  Sea-Street.     Read. 

Collectors  of  Taxes,  their  Petition.  Read. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Lovel,  Master  of  the  South  Grammar 

School,  Shewing  that  the  Salary  allow'd  him  by  the  Town,  is  not 

sufficient  to  defray  the  Necessary  Charges  of  A  Family  ;  Praying 

for  an  Addition  thereto Read  — 

And  the  Question  being  put.  Whether  An  Addition  should   be 
made  to  Mr.  Lovel's  Salary,  in  Answer  to  his  Petition  ? 
It  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds,  p  Annum  be  Added  to  the 
Salary  of  Mr.  John  Lovel,  to  Commence  from  the  Eighth  of  April, 
currant. 

The  Motion  made  by  the  Hon*'''' Elisha  Cooke  Esq^  at  the  Open- 
ing of  this  Meeting,  F'or  Instructions  to  be  Given  to  the  Rep- 
resentatives, came  under  Consideration,  And  after  some  Debate, 
thereon. 

[313.]     Voted,  To   Chuse  a   Committee  of  Five  Persons,  to 
Prepare  Instructions  for  the  Representatives. 
Voted,  That  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham, 
Mr.  Hugh  Vans, 
Mr.  Samuel  Waldo, 
Mr.  Cornelius  Waldo,  and 
Mr.  James  Pierpoint, 

be  a  Committee  for  the  End  aforesaid Who  are  Desired  to 

Prepare  Instructions  accordingly,  And  lay  them  before  the  Town, 
at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Present  Meeting,  for  their  Consider- 
ation. 

The  Committee  Appointed  the  11  March  last,  To  Consider  of, 
and  project  some  Method  for  the  better  and  more  Effectual  Watch- 
ing the  Town  of   Boston,  Presented  Their  Report Which 

was  Read  And  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  Referred,  (at  the  Annual  Meeting  in 
March  last)  the  Consideration  of  some  Method  for  the  better 
and  more  Eff"ectual  Watching  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  the 
Easing  the  Inhabitants  of  Considerable  part  of  the  Charge  in 
maintaining  the  same  &c  —  Report  as  follows. 
That  We  have  taken  into  Consideration,  the  various  methods  of 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1736.  lo9 

Watching  herefore  known  and  praetis'd  in  the  Town,  and  are  of 
Opinion,  That  tiae  Method  of  Maintaining  a  Watch  by  a  Tax  on 
the  Inhabitants  and  Residents  of  the  Town,  is  most  Agreable  to 
Justice,  and  best  Calculated  for  the  Ease  and  safety  thereof,  if 
under  a  due  and  proper  Regulation. 

And  for  that  Purpose,  We  would  Propose, 

1.  That  there  be  only  Four  Watch-Houses  maintained  at  the 
Charge  of  the  Town ;  Viz'.  The  Watch  House  at  [314.]  The 
South  End,  near  Mr.  Eliot's  ;  The  Watch  House  at  the  Town 
House  ;  The  Watch  House  at  the  Dockhead  ;  And  One  to  the  North- 
ward of  the  Mill  Creek,  which  We  propose  should  stand  at  the 
South  East  Corner  of  Bennet-Street  (on  the  Land  of  James  Bow- 
doin  Esq''.  Who  is  very  willing  to  gratify  the  Town  in  that  respect, 
the  Town  only  paying  him  some  small  Acknowlegement  for  the 
same  :  But  if  the  Town  should  disappi  ove  thereof,  then  We  pro- 
pose, that  the  Watch  be  kept  at  the  House  near  the  Old  North 
Meeting  House,  as  heretofore  ;  and  that  the  Town  be  at  no  further 
Charge  towards  the  Support  of  any  other  Watch  House.  And  to 
Prevent  any  disadvantage  that  may  Arise  from  discontinuing  the 
other  Watch  Houses,  it  is  propos'd,  That  the  South  Watch  (in 
their  Rounds)   inspect  that  District  which  belong'd  to  the  Watch 

at  the  Neck — ■- That  the  Watch  at  the  Town-House  inspect 

the  Long  Wharf That  the  Watch  at  the  Dock- Head  inspect 

the  Dock,  with  the  Streets  and  Lanes  to  the  Southward  of  the 

Mill-Creek,  formerly  under  the  Care  of  the  North  Watch 

And  that  the  North  Watch  take  the  inspection  of  all  that  part  of 
the  Town  to  the  Northward  of  the  Mill-Creek,  to  be  divided  into 
Two  Wards,  to  be  Visited  by  the  Watch-men  in  turns. 

2.  That  there  be  Four  Sober,  able  bodied  Persons  appointed 
for  Each  Watch  House,  And  that  One  of  the  most  discreet  of  their 
Number,  be  Appointed  to  take  the  Charge  of  the  Watch,  AVho, 
as  a  Badge  of"  his  Office  shall  be  Obliged  to  Carry  a  Quarter 
Pike,  And  the  Others  to  carry  a  Staff  with  a  Bill,  as  the  Law 
directs. 

3.  That  there  be  Written  Orders  and  Directions,  given  by  the 
Select  Men  of  the  Town,  to  the  Watch  Men,  to  be  hung  Up  in 
Each  Watch  House,  describing  their  Wards,  with  their  Dut}^ 
Power,  &c. 

[215.]  And  for  the  more  effectual  Answering  the  designed 
Ends,  it  is  proposed 

(1)  That  the  several  Watchmen  be  at  their  respective  Watch- 
Houses  by  Ten  O'Clock,  and  to  continue  there  in  the  morning  till 
broad  Day-Light. 

(2.)  That  immediately  after  Ten  O'Clock,  there  be,  (at  least 
Three  Times  every  Week)  Two  persons  sent  out  from  Each  Watch 
House  to  Walk  the  Streets,  Lanes  &c.  in  Order  to  take  up  all 
Negro  and  Molatto  Servants,  that  shall  be  unseasonably  Absent 
from  then*  Masters  Families,  without  giving  a  sufficient  reason 
therefor. 

(.^.)  That  at  Twelve  O'Clock  Two  Persons  from  Each  Watch- 
Hoiise  set  out  to  Walk  the  Rounds  (which  may  be  varied  as  shall 
be  judged  proper)  in  and  about  the  Inhabited  Streets  Lanes,  and 


140  City  Document  ISTo.  6G. 

Wharfs  within  their  several  Wards  :  And  that  within  half  an  hour 
after  their  coming  in,  the  Other  Two  shall  go  out,  and  so  by  turns, 
till  the  Dawn  of  the  Day,  and  that  they  be  Obliged  to  Attend  this 
duty,  in  rainy  and  stormy,  as  well  as  fair  weather.  And  further, 
That  during  the  whole  Night,  One  or  Other  of  the  Watch-men 
shall  stand  at  the  Watch-House  Door,  to  Examin  All  Passers-by, 
And  if  they  cannot  give  a  good  Account  of  themselves,  to  secure 
them  as  the  Law  directs. 

4.  That  there  be  One  Capable  Person  appointed  as  an  Inspec- 
tor of  the  several  Watch  Houses,  Who  shall  be  Obliged  to  Visit 
each  Watch  House,  at  least  Three  Times  every  Week,  And  keep  A 
written  Memorandum  of  All  Deficiencies,  Which  he  shall  lay 
before  the  Select  Men,  every  Month  before  the  Watch-Men  are 
paid  off,  that  so  in  case  of  any  Neglect,  A  proper  sum  may  be  de- 
ducted out  of  the  Delinquents  Wages,  Or  he  be  disraist,  As  the 
Select  Men  shall  think  proper.  And  inasmuch  as  Several  Orders 
of  Officers  within  the  Town,  do  frequently  Walk  in  the  Night, 
and  among  other  things.  Visit  the  Watch  Houses,  We  would  hope 
the  Inspection  of  the  Watch  would  hereby  be  Sufficiently  provided 
for. 

[316.]  (5.)  That  inasmuch  as  by  this  method  theWatch- 
Mens  Work  will  be  considerably  increased.  It  is  Proposed,  That 
Each  Mans  Wages  be  raised  to  Fifty  Pounds  p  Annum,  And  that 
the  Inspector  be  paid  the  same  Sum,  Which  We  would  hope, 
would  be  a  sufficient  Encouragement  to  Industry  and  Faithfulness 
in  the  Discharge  of  their  respective  Duties. 

Now,  upon  this  Method  We  would  beg  leave  to  Observe,  That 
inasmuch  as  hereby  the  Watch  Men  would  be  Obliged  to  Walk 
their  Rounds  in  Stormy  and  Rainy  Weather,  And  the  Latter  part 
of  the  Night,  which  Ordinaril}-  now  they  do  not  after  Two  O'Clock 

The  Town  would  be  much  better  Watch'd  than  now  it  is  ; 

And  besides,  there  would  be  an  Abatement  of  the  Expence  About 
Three  Hundred  and  P^ighty  Pounds  p  Annum. 

Which  will  Appear  from  the  following  Calculation,  Viz^ 

16  W^atchraen,  at  £50  p  Annum,      £800    "    -      "  -     - 

1  Inspector 50"-"-- 

Candles  10'  p  Month  for  the    \  24     "  " 

4  Watch  Houses  -     -     -  j 
Coals  £4  p  year  for  Each  House     -    -  16    "    -      "  -    - 

£890    "     -     "  -     - 

Which  Sum  being  deducted  from £1268    "     -3  "  -    4 

the  Charge  of  the  last  year  will  leave  £378    "     -3  "  -    4 

which  the  Town  will  save  in  its  Annual  Expences ; 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted   to   the   Consideration  of    the 

Town 

By  the  Subscribers, 

Samuel  Greenwood 
John  Fayerweather 
April,  26.  1736.  Thomas  Lee 

Jacob  Parker 
John  Darrell 


Boston  Town  Records,  1736.  141 

[217.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  'till  4 
O'clock  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mess''^  Benjamin  Mason,         ^ 
Benjamin  Williams,      j 

Newman  Greenough,    )■   Clerks  of  the  Market. 
John  Welch,  and  | 

Joseph  Sherburne        j 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Charles  Gyles,  was  chosen  to  serve  as  one  of  the  Hogreves, 
the  year  ensuhig. 

The  Select  Men,  having  prepared  a  By-Law,  for  the  Regulating  the 
Cows  going  on  the  Common,  and  for  Providing  Bulls  to  go  with  them, 

Presented  the  same.     Read which  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the 
Law  directs,  convened  in  Publick  Town  Meeting,  at  the 
Town  House,  the  28th.  day  of  April,  Anno  Domini,  1736. 

Whereas  the  Town  Law,  or  Order  already  made,  for  regulating 
the  Cows  going  on  the  Common,  And  for  the  better  Providing  of 
Bulls  to  go  with  them,  has  by  Experience  been  found  insufficient 
for  defraying  the  Charge. 

For  the  more  Effectual  Providing  for  the  same 

Voted  aud  Ordered 

That  Whosoever  shall  keep  any  cow,  or  Cows,  going  at  large 
w^ithin  the  Neck  of  Boston,  shall  Pay  into  the  Hands  of  such 
Person  or  Persons,  As  the  Select  Men  Shall  from  Time  to  Time 
Appoint  to  receive  [318.]  The  same,  the  Sum  of  Eleven  Shillings 
p  Annum  for  Each  Cow,  to  be  Employ'd  as  follows.  Viz'.  Six 
Shillings  and  Six  pence  thereof  towards  Providing  of,  and  keeping 
Four  Bulls  to  go  at  large  on  the  Common,  from  the  first  of  April, 
to  the  first  of  November ;  And  Two  or  more  from  the  first  of  No- 
vember, to  the  first  of  April  following.  As  the  Select  Men  shall 
Order  from  Year  to  Year ;  Three  shillings  and  six  pence  more 
thereof,  for  Paying  the  Cow  keeper.  And  the  remaining  One 
Shilling  for  Paying  the  Person  that  shall  be  Appointed  by  the 
Select  Men  to  Receive  said  Money,  and  give  forth  a  Certificate  to 
the  Owner  of  Each  Cow,  Shewing  that  they  have  Paid  the  said 
Eleven  Shillings  for  each  Cow,  And  if  any  Person  or  Persons  shall 
have  any  Cow,  or  Cows  which  they  shall  keep  in  their  Pastures  or 
Enclosures,  and  do  not  suffer  them  to  go  at  large  on  the  Common, 
Shall  Pay  only  Six  Shillings  and  Six  pence  towards  the  Bulls. 
And  if  any  Cow,  or  Cows  shall  be  found  going  on  the  Common 
aforesaid.  Whose  Owner  has  not  paid  the  aforesaid  Sum  of 
Eleven  Shillings,  and  Obtnined  a  Certificate  of  their  having  so 
done.  Such  Owner  Shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  Fifteen 
Shillings,  being  thereof  Convicted,  before  any  of  His  Majesty's 
Justices  of  the  Peace  within  the  County  of  Suffolk ;  the  same  to 
be  Recovered  by  the  Person  impowered  by  the  Select  Men  to 
gather  the  Money  and  to  be  Employed  for  and  towards  the 
defraying  the  Charge  aforesaid. 


142  City  Document  No.  Q^a. 

The  foregoing  By-Law  or  Order,  being  Considered,  and  Ap- 
proved   

Voted,  That  the  Same  be  Accepted ;  And  that  the  Select  Men 
be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  Present  it  to  the  Coui't  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  Peace,  next  to  be  Holden  for  the  County  of  Suf- 
folk, for  their  Approbation. 

[319.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  by  the  Select  Men,  Shewing 
that  the  House  wherein  the  Bulls  are  kept,  adjoining  to  tlie  South 
Burying  Peace,  is  insufficient  for  that  Use ;  And  Desiring  the 
Town  would  give  direction  for  removing  the  said  Bull- House,  and 
to  Joyn  the  same  to  the  Gun-House  in  the  Common  :  Or  that  they 
would  make  such  other  Provision  for  them,  As  to  them  should 
seem  most  convenient. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men,  be  Desired  to  make  Enquiry  into 
the  State  and  Circumstances  of  the  said  Gun-House  in  the 
Common,  And  make  Report  thereof,  to  the  Town,  at  the  Ad- 
journment of  this  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Mess".  Daniel  Pecker,  Nathanael  Barber  and 
William  Rand,  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  the  Year  1735,  Praying  that  the  Assessors  may  be  allow'd 
and  impower'd  to  Set  On  Abatements,  'till  the  latter  end  of  July 
next. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  and  Proprietors  of  Lands 
abutting  on  Sea-Street Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  View 
the  Said  Street ;  Consider  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners,  And  to 
Report,  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  What  they  think 
may  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  for  the  Watch,  as  Entred  in  the 
Fore  Noon Read  again.  And  after  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Seven  Thousand  Six  [3!30.]  Hundred 
Pounds,  to  be  Raised  by  a  Tax  on  Polls,  and  Estates,  within  tlie 
Town  of  Boston,  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defraying  Other 
Necessary  Charges,  arising  within  and  for  the  said  Town,  the 
Year  Ensuing 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  the  21^'.  of 
May  next.  At  Three  O'Clock  Afternoon. 

Fryday,  May,  21.   1736. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  according  to  Adjournment. 

A  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  a  Pelition  of  the  Inhabitants, 
Abutters  on  Sea-Street Read As  follows,     Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  as  above We  the  Sub- 
scribers have  accordingly  Attended  that  service  ;  Have  Viewed 
the  Street  mentioned  in  the  Petition  referr'd  to ;  Considered  the 
Prayer  of  the  Petitioners ;  And  Report  thereon  as  follows.  Viz'. 

That  the  ancient  High  Way,  which  was  to  be  maintained  in  good 
Repair  of  Fifty  feet  in  Breadth,  be  now  reduced  to  the  Breadth 
of  Thirty  five  feet,  Which  We  apprehend  will  -well  Accomodate 
the  Inhabitants,  and  Sufficiently  Answer  all  the  Ends  of  A  Street 


Boston  Town  Records,  1736.  143 

And  Therefore,  that  the  said  Street  be  fixed  and  established 

by  the  Town  to  be  Thirty-five  feet  in  breadth  ;  And  that  the  same 
be  maintained  and  kept  in  good  Repair,  Open  free  and  Unincum- 
bred,  at  the  proper  Cost  and  Charge  of  the  Proprietors  and 
Abutters  on   said    Street,  for   the  Use   of  the  Town   of   Boston 

forever. All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  By,    John  Jeffiies, 

Jon".  Armitage,  Alex^.  Forsyth,  John  Eastwicke,  Jonas  Clarke, 
Select  Men Boston  May,  19.  1736. 

[^21.]     Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

The  Select  Men  being  Desired  to  make  Enquiry  into  the  state  of 

the  Gun  House,  and  to  Report  thereon.  As  Entred  Apr.  28 

Reported. 

That  They  had  According  to  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  made  En- 
quiry into  the  State  and  Circumstances  of  the  Gun  House  in  the 
Common,  and  considered  thereof  ;  And  that  They  find  it  was  Built 
b}'  Order  of,  and  at  the  Cost  and  Charge  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
in  the  year  1712,  in  Order  to  House  some  Field  Carriages,  which 

are  now  in  it.     That  They  are  of  Opinion That  the  said 

Gun  House  with  some  Repairs,  may  well  serve  to  hold  the  said 
Carriages  still,  and  also  for  Keeping  the  Bulls,  with  Hay  sufficient 
for  them. 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

Capt.  Cunningham  from  the  Committee  Chosen  and  Appointed 
the  28"'.  April,  last,  to  Prepare  Instructions  for  the  Representa- 
tives, Presented  the  same  to  the  Town  for  their  Consideration, 
Which  were  Read And, 


Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  Viz'. 

That  in  consideration  of  the  Inaportance  of  the  Instructions  to 
the  Repi'eseutatives,  Now  presented  by  the  Committee  as  Above, 
And  the  Smallness  of  the  Number  of  Inhabitants  now  Assembled, 
The  following  Question  was  put.  Viz'.  Whether  it  be  the  mind  of 
the  Town,  That  this  Meeting  Shall  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  Next 
at  Five  O'Clock  Afternoon  —  And  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired 
to  take  Care  That  the  Inhabitants  be  duly  Notified  of  the  said  Ad- 
journment, in  Such  Manner  as  They  shall  think  best. 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

Mr.  Gushing  from  the  Committee  Appointed  Dec.  29.  1735.  To 

Examin  into  the  State  of  the  Long  Wharf &c.     Presented 

their  Report. Which  was  Read as  follows.  Viz'. 

[222.]  The  Committee  .Appointed  the  29th  Dec.  last  to 
Examin  into  the  State  of  the  Long  Wharf,  and  make  due  Enquiry, 
Whether  or  no,  the  Right  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  relating 
to  the  same  has  not  been  Violated,  And  to  make  Report  thereon, 

Have  Attended  that  Service And  upon  a  thorough  Perusal 

and  mature  Consideration  of  the  Grant  of  the  Flats,  made  to  the 
Proprietors  of  the  Long  Wharf,  together  with  the  Covenants  & 
Engagements  which  said  Proprietors  made  with  the  Town  in  that 
Affair We  find 

That  in  the  Year  1710,  It  was  Covenanted  and  Agreed  between 
the  Town,  And  the  Original  Undertakers  or  Proprietors  of  the 
Long  Wharf,  in  Manner  following  Viz'.  That  the  Proprietors 
should  have  full  Liberty  to  Erect  &  Build  a  Good  and  Sufficient 


144  CiTr  Document  No.  66. 

Wharf,  of  the  breadth  of  King  Street,  from  the  End  of  said  Street 
as  it  then  was  on  a  direct  Line  to  low  Water  Mark,  And  the  Waste 
Ground  or  Flats  of  that  wedth  and  length  were  Accordingly 
Granted  and  Released  to  them,  without  Prejudice  to  former 
Grants. 

In  Consideration  whereof,  the  Undertakers  or  Proprietors  were 
Obliged  at  their  Own  Cost  and  Charge  to  Erect,  Build,  Maintain 
and  keep  in  good  Repair,  Said  Wharf,  Always  leaving  the  breadth 
of  Thirty  feet  On  one  side  of  the  said  Wharf,  Unincumber'd  for 
an  Open  and  free  High  Way  forever  to  the  Use  of  the  Town  and 
Others  ;  And  that  the  End  of  the  said  Wharf  Should  be  free  for  the 
service  of  the  Town,  when  they  should  see  Reason  to  Plant  Guns 
thereon  for  their  Defence. 

It  was  also  Covenanted  and  Agreed,  That  no  Wharf  beyond  the 
Circular  Line  Should  be  permitted  or  Suffered  to  Join  or  be  for- 
ever built  nearer  than  Sixty  feet  of  the  Waste  or  Flats  then 
Granted. 

These,  We  Apprehend  the  Essential  Parts  of  the  Grant  on  the 
Town's  part.  And  also  of  the  Covenant  on  the  part  of  the  Propri- 
etors.   

[323.]  As  to  the  Performance  of  Conditions,  We  would  Ob- 
serve   That  We  can't  discover  but  that  the  Town  have  punc- 
tually Performed  all  that  has  been  ever  Promised  and  Engaged  in 
their  behalf  to  the  said  Proprietors,  Nor  can  We  find  that  Ever  the 
Proprietors  have  been  disturbed  or  disrested,  but  that  the}'  have 
aliways  been  in  the  quiet  and  peaceable  Possession  and  Improve- 
ment of  all  that  was  ever  Granted  them  ;  But  as  to  Performance 
on  the  Proprietors  part We  find. 

1 .  That  the  Thirty  feet  left  as  an  High  Way  on  the  Southerly 
Side  of  said  Wharf  has  not  commonly  been,  neither  at  this  time  is 
so  free  and  Unincumbered  as  it  reasonably  ought  to  be  for  an  High 
Way  for  the  Inhabitants  and  Others,  pursuant  to  the  Original 
Contract ;  And  what  seems  very  Extraordinary  is,  that  Notwith- 
standing it  was  expressly  Stipulated,  that  it  should  remain  forever 
As  an  Open  and  free  High  Way  without  any  reservation  peculiar 
to  the  Proprietors,  Yet  they  constantly  demand  and  Exact  Wharf- 
idge  for  all  Goods  landed  there  from  on  board  Foreign  Vessels, 
tho'  they  belong  to  our  own  Inhabitants,  Which  We  Apprehend  to 
be  a  Violation  of  the  Contract  and  a  manifest  Infraction  upon  the 
Right  of  the  Inhabitants. 

2.  That  the  End  of  the  Wharf  is  not  free  according  to  Con- 
tract, but  incumbered  with  a  Crane  House  Erected  there,  neither 
is  that  part  of  the  Wharf  in  any  tolerable  Condition  suitable  for 
Planting  a  Line  of  Guns,  as  it  ought  ever  to  be. 

3.  We  find  that  several  Proprietors  of  the  Long  Wharf  have 
made  Encroachments  on  the  North  side  of  said  Wharf,  where 
Platforms,  and  also  a  Wharf  are  built,  and  additions  made  to  their 
Houses  beyond  the  Circular  Line,  which  is  an  Evident  Violation  of 
the  forementioned  Covenant  made  between  the  Town  and  Propri- 
etors. 

Upon  the  Whole,  We  are  humbly  of  Opinion,  That  the  Select 
Men  for  the  time  being   be  desired  to  take  care   That   the  said 


Boston  Town  Eegords,  1736.  145^ 

Thirty  feet  High  Way  on  the  Long  Wharf  be  kept  [234.]  Unin- 
cumbred  in  such  manner  as  it  ought  to  be,  and  that  it  be  kept  in. 
Repair  at  the  Charge  of  the  Proprietors  of  said  Wharf. 

And  Furthermore,  We  Apprehend  it  very  needful,  that  the 
Right  of  the  Inhabitants  as  to  a  free  Wharfage  of  their  Goods  be 

speedily  Asserted  and  Defended,  At  the  Charge  of  the  Town. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted 

Edw*^.  Hutchinson 
William  Clark 
Thomas  Cushing  Jun"". 

Boston  Maj',  21.  1736.  John  Steel. 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted  ;  And  That  the  Select  Men 
be,  and  hereb}^  are  Desired  and  Impowered  to  Assert  and  Defend 
the  Right  of  tlie  Inhabitants,  as  set  forth  in  the  said  Report,  and 

in  every  respect  prosecute  this  Affair  agreeable  thereto. 

Mess".  Jonathan  Dwight      "] 

Zechariah  Fitch  ri,    i       ^  -n/r    i    ^ 

Eliphalet  Parker        \  ^^^'^^  «^  ^'''^'^^- 
Thomas  Townsend   j 
Were  Chosen  to  serve,  as  Clerks  of  the  Market  the  Year  Current. 
Mr.  Joseph  Calef ,  is  Chosen  Hogreve,  for  the  Year  Current. 
Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  next,  the 
24"^.  instant,  at  5  O'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Monday  May,  24*.  1736. 


The  Town  being  Assembled. 


[225,']  The  Report  of  A  Committee,  to  Prepare  Instructions 
for  the  Representatives,  laid  before  the  Town  for  Consideration, 

At  their  Adjournment   the  2P'.  instant Read  again;  and  is 

as  follows. 

At  a  Publick  Town  Meeting  at  Boston,  upon  Wednesda3', 

the  28'^.  April,  1736. 

Messieurs   Nathanael   Cunningham,    Hugh   Vans,    Samuel 

Waldo,  Cornelius  Waldo,  and  James  Peirpoint Were 

Chosen  a  Committee  to  Prepare  Instructions  for  the  Repre- 
sentatives, and  lay  them  before  the  Town  for  their  Appro- 
bation at  the  Adjournment  upon  Fryday  the  21st.  May 
next  Ensuing, 

Presented  as  follows.  Viz'. 
To  the   Honourable   Elisha   Cooke    Esq''.    Messieurs    Oxen- 
bridge  Thacher,  Thomas  Cushing,  and  Timothy  Prout. 
Gentlemen 

We  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 

of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  Regnlarl}'  Assembled  Cannot 

manifest  Our  great  Esteem  and  Regard  for  you,  in  a  more  pecu- 
liar Manner  than  We  have  done,  by  Chusing  You  again,  to  Appear 
as  Our  Agents  and  Representatives  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court  of  this  Province  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

And  Whereas  this  Province  in  General  (as  well  as  this  Town  in 
particular)  Labours  under  the  greatest  Hardships,  Difficulties  and 
Distresses  upon  many  Accounts,  without  any  signal  Prospect  of 
Relief. 


146  City  Document  No.   66. 

And  Altho'  We  do  not  in  the  least  Question  Your  Faithfulness 
to  the  true  Interest  of  this  Province  in  general  as  well  as  the  Trade 

and  Business  of  this  Town  in  particular Yet  Esteeming  it 

Our  Duty  [326.]  In  this  unhappy  Juncture,  Wherein  (As  We 
Apprehend)  Our  Laws,  Liberties  and    Properties  are  in  Danger, 

Earnestly  to  Request  of  You To  Exert  all  Your  Powers,  in 

Conjunction  with  the  Other  Worthy  Members  of  the  Honourable 
House  of  Representatives,  to  Guard  Against,  and  Defend  Us  from, 
All  Encroachments  that  nia}^  be  Attempted  Against  Our  Natural 

Rights,  Or  Charter   Privileges. And,  That   it    may  not  be 

Objected  to  You  by  any  Persons  whatsoever,  that  You  do  not  Act 
agreeable  to  the  Mind  of  Your  Principals,  upon  several  Important 
Heads,  We  wou'd  in  a  more  Especial  Manner  Earnestly  Recom- 
mend to  You. 

1".  That  Inasmuch  as  We  Apprehend  Our  Selves  grievously 
Oppress'd  by  a  very  large  and  disproportiouable  part  of  the  Pro- 
vince  Tax laid   upon  Us    from  Time  to  Time  for  several 

Years  past,  Compared  with  the  Proportions  paid  by  the  Other 
Towns  within  this  Province We  Therefore  Earnestly  Rec- 
ommend to  you,  the  most  diligent  Search,  and  strict  Enquiry,  into 
the  Rules  by  which  such  Proportions  have  been  Ascertained  That 
by  Comparing  the  Province  Tax  paid  by  Gentlemen  of  Estate  in 
the  Countrey  Towns,  with  Other  Gentlemen  of  like  Estate  in  the 
Town  of  Boston  ;  there  may  be  such  Regulations  as  that  Every 
Town  may  pay  such  a  proportion  as  to  Justice  and  Equity  Apper- 
tains. 

2'^.  Whereas  the  King's  Instruction  to  the  Governour  of  this 
Province 

Viz'. 

The  XVIth.  Instruction  Directs  and   Enjoins   the   Governour, 

Not  to  Assent  to  any  Act Whereby  Bills  of  Credit  may  be 

struck  or  Issued  in  Lieu  of  Money,  for  above  the  Sum  of  Thirty 
Thousand  Pounds  p  Annum,  And  [22*7.]  That  no  more  than 
Thirty  Thousand  Pounds  of  such  Bills  be  ever  Current  at  One 
and  the  same  time. 

The  XVIIIth.  Instruction  Directs,  That  Whereas  several  Bills 
of  Credit  to  a  Considerable  Value  are  standing  out  upon  the  foot 
of  certain  Acts  hei-etofore  Passed  for  that  purpose,  Whereby  par- 
ticular Funds  are  Provided  for  Calling  in  and  Sinking  them,  The 
Governor  is  thereby  Directed  to  Call  in  all  such  the  said  Bills 
According  to  the  Periods  and  Provisions  of  the  respective  Acts  by 
which  they  were  Issued. 

And  Whereas  We  Apprehend  the  Distressing  Circumstances  of 
this  Province  in  many  Respects  (And  for  a  more  particular  Ac- 
count thereof,  We  refer  You  to  the  Memorial  preferr'd  by  Us  to 
the  Great  and  General  Court  of  this  Province,  at  their  Session 
in  January  last)  Renders  the  Complying  with  the  said  Instruction 
altogether  Impracticable,  if  not  Impossible, 

We  therefore  Injoin  You  to  Use  Your  Utmost  Power  and  Influ- 
ence to  prevent  the  Passing  of  any  Act  in  the  General  Assembly 
for  the  Raising  any  Sums  of  Money  by  a  Tax  upon  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Province,  Unless  such  Act,  put  the  Payment  of  said 


BosTOx  Town  Records,  1736.  147 

Taxes  upon  such  Years  as  may  (Cousisteat  with  a  rational  proba- 
bihty)  Capacitate  and  Enable  them  to  discharge  the  same. 

3^^.  Whereas,  Large  Sums  of  Money  have  been  Grranted  for 
His  Majestj^'s  Service  by  former  Assemblys,  And  notwithstanding 
Such  Grants  have  been  Guarded  with  particular  Appropriations, 
Yet  such  Cautions  have  not  been  Attended  with  their  Expected  or 
Desired  Success  :  But  We  have  great  reason  to  Believe,  that  such 
Sums  so  Appropriated  have  been  Misapplied,  Which  Renders  the 
Property  of  His  Majestys  good  Subjects  of  this  Province  very 
precarious,  and  exposed  to  Numberless  inconveniences.  -For 
Remedying  whereof.  We  Earnestlj-  Recommend  to  You  A  strict 
Inquiry  into  the  state  of  the  Treasury ;  And  that  You  would  Use 
all  proper  means  to  Acquaint  [2^8.]  Yourselves  with  what 
Misapplications  have  been  made  of  the  Public  Moneys  in 
Time    past,  And  Guard  Against   an}-  such   Impositions   for   the 

Future. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  Bj' 
Your  most  Humble  Servants, 
To  the  Inhabitants  Nath.  Cunningham 

of  the  Town  of  Boston  Hugh  Vans 

at  their  Adjournment  CoRNEL^  Waldo 

this  21.  May,  1736.  James  Peirpoint^ 


Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted :  And  that  the  same  be 
given  As  the  Instructions  of  the  Town  of  Boston  to  their  Repre- 
sentatives. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  Bos- 
ton duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the  Law  directs,  regularly  As- 
sembled in  Publick  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House  Upon 
Saturday,  June,  5*.  1736. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting  being  Read  —  The  Town 
proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator. 

Capt.  Nathanael   Cunningham  was  Chosen  Moderator  of   this 

Meeting.. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock's  Petition,  Read. 
Mr.  Thomas  Chub's  Petition  -     -  Read. 

Mess^'.  Gershom  Keyes  and  John  Checkley  [239.]  Two  of 
the  Committee  Appointed  to  Inspect,  Survey  and  Plat  Three 
Tracts  of  Land,  Agreeable  to  a  Grant  of  the  Great  and  General 
Court  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  As  Eutred  the  Third  of  Feb.  last 
past,  Presented  their  Report ;  As  likewise  the  Plans  of  Three 
Townships  by  them  Accordingly  Survey'd  and  Platted 

Which  being  Read is  as  follows  Viz*. 

We  the  Subscribers,  following  the  Directions  of  the  Town,  to 
Advise  with  Mess".  Jones  and  others  in  Surveying  and  Plating 
Three  Townships,  for  the  Town  of  Boston,  have  accordingly  In- 
spected, Survey'd  and  Platted  Three  Townships,  Agreeable  to 
Three  Plats  laid  before  the  Town,  June  the  5"*.  1736. 

Gershom  Ketes 

John  Checkley 

Voted,    That   this   Report  be   Accepted And   that  the 

Plans  of  Three  Townships  now  laid  before  the  Town  be  Delivered 


148  City  Document  No.  66. 

to  the  Representatives  of  Boston,  by  them  to  be  Presented  to  the 
Great  and  General  Court  now  Sitting,  for  Confirmation. 

Upon  a  Motion,  or  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  in  Order  to 
preserve  the  North  Battery  Wharf  from  being  Carried  away  by 
Storms  ; 

Voted  to  Chuse  a  Committee  of  Three  Persons,  to  View  and 
Consider  the  State  and  Circumstaoces  of  the  North  Battery  Wharf, 
And  to  make  Report  thereof  to  the  Town  at  their  next  Public 
Town  Meeting. 
Accordingly. 

Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood. 

Mr.  John  Walker  & 

Mr.  Thomas  Lee 

Were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid 


Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  for  Libert}'  to  Raise 
and  Level  some  part  of  Beacon  [330.]  Street,  Especially  before 
his  Own  Land  abutting  thereon,  for  Reasons  therein  Mentioned. 
Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to  View  the  Street 
mentioned  in  Mr.  Hancock's  Petition,  Consider  the  Prayer  of  the 

Petitioner,  And  Report  to  the  Town,  at  their  next  Meeting 

What  they  think  may  be  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  For  Reconsidering  A  Vote 

pass'd  at  this  Meeting  relating  to  the  North  Battery  Wharf 

And  thereupon  a  Reconsideration  being  had 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired,  to 
make  Their  Report  to  the  Town  on  that  Affair,  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  and  Seconded,  For  Reconsidering  A  Vote 
pass'd  at  this  Meeting,  relating  to  A  Petition  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Hancock And   thereupon   a   Reconsideration    being   had 


Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to 
make  their  Report  to  the  Town  on  that  Affair,  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday,  June  ll*"^. 
current,  at  Four  O'Clock,  afternoon. 

Friday  June,  11*'^,  1736. 
The  Town  being  Assembled.- 


[331.]  The  Select  Men,  to  whom  was  refer'd  the  Considera- 
tion of  Mr.  Hancock's  Petition,  Reported  thereon  as  follows, 
Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town,  the  5*.  instant.  We,  the  Sub- 
scribers have  Attended  the  Service  desired  of  Us  ;  Have  Viewed 
Beacon  Street,  mentioned  in  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  ; 
Considered  the  Prayer  thereof,  together  with  His  Proposals,  And 
Report  thereon,  as  follows.  Viz'. 

That  it  is  Our  Opinion,  It  may  be  proper  and  convenient  for  the 
Town  to  Grant  Liberty  to  the  said  Mr.  Hancock  to  Level  the 
Ground  before  his  Land  abutting  on  Beacon-Street  aforesaid.  And 
to  Gravel  the  same  the  Breadth  of  Thirty  feet ;  Upon  Condition, 


Boston  Town  Kecoeds,  1736.  149 

That  he  the  said  Hancock,  at  his  own  propei'  Cost  and  Charge, 
from  time  to  time  forever.  Do  well  and  sufficiently  Secure  the 
same,  and  prevent  the  Gravel  from  Washing  down  upon  the  Com- 
mon, and  spoiling  the  Herbage  thereof.  

All  which  is  Submitted 

By 

JoN^  Armitage    "] 
David  Collson 
Boston  June  Alex^.  Forsyth        c,  ,     ,  -.^ 

IV^  1736.  John  Eastwicke  \   ^^^^''^  ^^^"- 

Caleb  Lyman        { 
Jonas  Clarke.     J 
Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

Mr.  John  Walker  from  the  Committee  Appointed  (the  5*^. 
instant)  to  View  and  Consider  the  state  and  Circumstances  of  the 

North  Battery  Wharf Reported  thereon Which  being 

Read,  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

According  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  We  the  Committee 
Appointed,  Have  taken  a  Survey  of  the  North  Battery  Wharf, 
And  find  the  South  East  Side  [23Ji,]  To  be  almost  Washed  away 
to  the  Foundation,  And  also  the  North  East  Head  to  be  Wash'd 
away  to  the  Foundation,  the  North  West  Side,  and  the  South  West 
Side  to  be  in  prett}-  good  Repair,  only  wanting  of  good  Cap-Sills, 
and  if  not  speedily  Repaired  will  Wash  away,  and  may  be  of  great 
Damage  to  the  Navigation  passing  that  way= 

Jeff.  Bedgood. 
John  Walker. 

Boston  June  the  10'^.  1736.  Thomas  Lee 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  re-committed  to  the  Committee  before 
Chosen  and  Appointed  thereon,  And  that  they  be,  and  hereby  are 
Desii'ed  to  make  an  Estimate  of  the  Cost  and  Charge  which  will  be 
necessary  for  the  Town  to  be  at,  in  order  to  prevent  the  North 
Battery  Wharf  being  Carried  away  by  Storms. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be  Desired  to  Report  to  the 
Town  on  this  Afiair,  at  the  next  Publick  Town  Meeting  ;  And  that 
the  Select-Men  be  Desired,  so  to  Order  it,  that  the  said  Meeting 
may  be  at  the  same  Time  when  the  Town  shall  Meet  for  the  Choice 
of  Jurors  for  the  Superior  Court  in  August  next. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  Other  Inhabitants  of 
Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  warned  as  the  Law  directs,  regularly 
Assembled  in  Publick  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  On 
Fryday  the  23.  of  July,  1736. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  being  Read,  The  Town 
proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator Accordingly. 

The  Hon'''^  Elisha  Cooke  P2sq^  was  Chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting. 

[333.]  A  plan  of  Two  Townships,  laid  out  in  part  Satis- 
faction of  a  Grant  of  Several  Townships  made  to  the  Town  of 
Boston,  by  the  Great  and  General  Court,  Anno,  1735,  Endorsed 
as  follows  Viz'. 


150  City  Document  No.  66. 

"  In  the  House  of  Representatives,  June,  12"^.  1736. 

"  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  within  Plat,  Containing  Two  of 
"the  Townships  Granted  by  the  General  Court,  Anno  1735.  to  the 
"  Town  of  Boston,  Called  Number  One,  and  Number  Two,  as  within 
"Mentioned,  be  and  hereby  is  Accepted,  And  the  Lands  therein 
"  Contained  Delineated  and  Described,  Are  accordingly  Confirmed 
"  to  the  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  and 
"  their  Assigns  respectively  forever.  They  Complying  with  the  Cou- 
"  ditions  of  the  Grant.  Provided  That  Neither  of  the  Townships 
"  contain  no  more  than  the  Quantity  of  Six  Miles  vSquare  of  Land, 
"  and  neither  of  them  interfere  with  any  former  Grant.  Sent  up 
"  for  Concurrence  J.  Quincy  Spk""  In  Council  June  15*^.  1736. 
"  Read  and  Concurred  Simon  Frost  Dep'  Secr^.  Consented  to,  J. 
"Belcher.  July  22,  1736.  A  true  Copy,  Exam^.  p  Simon  Frost 
"Dep*  Secry. 

was  Presented  to  the  Town  and  Read And, 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded ■ — 

Voted,  That  the  further  Consideration  of  the  Affairs  relating  to 
the  Two  Townships  aforesaid,  be  Refer'd  to  the  Annual  Meeting 
of  the  Inhabitants  in  March  next. 

Capt.  JeflFer}^  Bedgood  from  the  Committee  Appointed  the  11*^  of 
June  last  past.  To  View  the  North-Battery  Wharf ;  To  make  an 
Estimate  of  the  Costs  and  Charge  which  will  be  necessary  for  the 
Town  to  be  at,  in  order  to  prevent  the  said   Wharf   from   being 

Carried    away    by   Storms Presented  Their  Report 

Which  was  Read,  And  is  as  follows,  Viz*. 

According  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  The  Committee  appointed 

to  View  the  North-Battery  Wharf We  Have  advised  with 

John  Adams  House  Carpenter,  the  best  way  to  preserve  what  there 
is,  and  also  to  make  it  it  strong  and  substantial  for  to  Plant  a  Bat- 
tery of  Cannon,  is  to  Add  to  the  South  East  Side  Ten  foot,  To  be 
Built  of  Square  Pitch  Pine  Timber,  which  length  is  1 70  foot,  and  the 
North  East  End  is  44  foot  in  length  [334.]  And  the  nearest  Com- 
putation that  We  can  make  is,  to  have  it  Compleated  as  it  should 

be,  It  will  cost  at  least  One  Thousand  Pounds. 

John  Walkee 
Boston  July.  23.  1736  Jeff.  Bedgood. 

Thomas  Lee 

After  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  further  Consideration  of  this  Affair  be  Refer'd 
to  the  Annual   Meeting  in  March  next:    And  that  in   the  mean 

time The  Committee  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  take  the 

same  under  their  further  Consideration  ;  And  that  they  make 
Enquiry,  in  Order  to  Know  What  sum  the  said  Wharf  will  Lett 
for  p  Annum,  when  it  shall  be  so  Repaired,  And  that  They  Report 
thereon,  at  the  said  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  take 
care,  forthwith,  to  prevent  the  Damage  which  may  Ensue  or  happen 
to  any  Vessel  or  Vessells,  by  the  stones  which  lie  at  the  North 
East  Point  of  the  North-Battery  Wharf  ;  by  setting  up  a  Beacon, 
or  in  such  other  way  and  manner  as  to  them  may  seem  most  con- 
venient.   


Boston  Town  Records,  1736.  151 

The  Towu  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  an  Assessor,  and  the 
Votes  being  Collected  and  Sorted,  it  appeared  That,  Mr.  Hugh 
Vans  was  Chosen  to  serve  in  that  Office  the  Year  Current. 

Mr.  John  Miller  (Distiller)  was  Chosen  to  serve  as  One  of  the 
Clerks  of  the  Market  the  Year  Currant  and  Sworn 

Mr.  Vans  appearing,  Praj^'d  the  Town  to  Excuse  him  from  Serv- 
ing as  an  Assessor  for  thisYear for  Reasons  mentioned. 

[335.]     Voted,    That    Mr.    Vans   be    accordingly   Excused. 


Mr.  Andrew  Eliot  was  Chosen  to  serve  the  Town,  as  an  Assessor, 
for  the  Year  Current. Sworn ^ 

A  Letter  Directed  to  the  Select  Men  of  Boston,  Signed  W"*. 
Dudley  County  Treasurer,  Relating  to  the  Deficiencies  of  several 
late  Constables,  with  respect  to  the  County  Tax,  committed  to 
them  to  collect • —  Read 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Two  Hundred  Pounds  (in  Addition  to  a 
Grant  made  the  28th.  April,  last  past)  to  be  Raised  by  a  Tax  on 
Polls  and  Estates,  within  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  make  good 
the  Deficiency  of  Defraying  the  Town's  Charges,  which  may  arise 

or  happen,  in  the  Year  current. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of 
Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  lawfully  "Warned,  Assembled  in 
Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  On  Monday,  March 
14th.  Anno  Domini,  1736. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall,  D.D. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  were  Read 

The  Town  proceeding  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  for  the 
Present  Meeting,  and  the  Votes  being  Collected,  it  appeared,  That 
The  Honourable  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire,  was  Chosen,  Unanimously. 

Samuel  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Town-Clerk,  and  Sworn. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Sundrj'  Petitions  and  Proposals,  Read. 
Viz'. 

Of  Samuel  Adams  Esquire  and  Others,  Abutters  on  Barton's 
Rope  "Walk,  For  the  Towns  help  in  the  Purchase  thereof,  for  a 
Street. 

Of  Mr.  Edward  Procter  and  Others  for  Paving  Wood-Lane,  &c. 

[336.]  Of  Doctor  Hugh  Kennedy  and  Others,  for  Paving 
Love  Street. 

Of  Mr.  John  Blake  and  Others,  for  Paving  Orange  Street. 

Of  Mr.  Samuel  Turell  and  Others,  for  Paving  Beer-Lane. 

Of  Mr.  Belcher  Hancock,  School  Master  at  Rumney  Marsh,  for 
Addition  to  his  Salary. 

Of  Capt.  James  Gooch  .Jun'".  and  Others  for  Paving  Green  Lane. 

Of  Mr.  John  Staniford  and  Others,  about  Weighing  of  Hay, 
brought  to  Market. 

Of  Mr.  James  Read  and  Others,  Masters  of  the  Water  Engines, 
to  be  Excused  from  Other  Offices. 

Of  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson,  Usher  of  the  South  Gramar  School,  for 
Addition  to  his  Salarj'. 


152 


City  Document  No.   66. 


Mr.  Rowland  Houghton's  Proposals  relating  to  the  Sweeping  of 

Chimnies. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Officers,  And 
Voted^  To  Chuse  Seven  Select  Men  for  the  Year  ensuing,  distinct 
from  the  Assessors,    Accordingly, 

The  Votes  being  Collected  and  sorted,  it  Appear'd,  That, 
The  Hon.  John  Jeflfries  Esquire,    ^ 
Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage, 
Mr.  David  CoUson, 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth,  )■    Select-Men 

Capt.  Caleb  Lyman, 
Mr.  Jonas  Clarke,  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun^ 
Were  Chosen  Select  Men. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Twelve  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 

The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected  and  sorted,  it  Appear'd, 
That, 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esquire   ") 
John  Ruck  Esquire,  j 

[337.]  Henry  Bering  Esquire 
William  Tyler  Esquire 
John  Hunt  Esquire 

Samuel  Greenwood  Esquire  Overseers  of 

Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood  y       the  Poor 

Capt.  John  Hill 
Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard 
Capt.  Daniel  Henchman 
Capt.  Joshua  Cheever 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Were  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

Voted,  That  the  Town  would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  County 
Treasurer,  and  Assessors,  Tomorrow  at  Eleven  O'Clock,  And  then 
also  take  into  further  Consideration  the  Affair  of  Erecting  a  Work 
House. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Twelve  Constables. 
Voted,  To  Chuse  Collectors  of  Taxes  distinct  from  the  Constables. 
Accordingly  the   Votes   for  Twelve  Constables  being  collected 
and  sorted,  it  Appeared,  That, 


Mess'' 


Joseph  Blake 

John  Gardner      -  -  - 

Josiah  Quincy     -  -  - 

Joshua  Pitman    -  -  - 

Samuel  Wethered  -  - 

Edward  Emerson  -  - 

Henry  Welsteed  -  -  - 

Samuel  Marshall  -  - 

John  Jones    -     -  -  - 
John  Jones  (Batcheler) 

Thomas  Parker  -  -  - 

Christopher  Minot  -  - 
Were  Chosen  Constables. 


>■  Constables    - 


Pay 

Pay 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 

Pay 

Pay 

Pay 

Pay 


Pay 

One  of  the  Govern'^s  Life  Guard 

Pay. 


Boston  Town  Kecoeds,  1736.  153 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  to  Three  O'Clock  after- 
noon. 

[238.]     Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Select  Men  having  Audited  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams's  Ac- 
count of  the  Granaries,  Their  Report  thereon,  as  Entred  in  Mr. 
Williams's  Book,  was  Read,  Accepted,  and  thereupon. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  be,  and  here  is  allowed 
to  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams,  out  of  the  Granar}'-  Stock  in  Addition 
to  his  Salary,  as  Overseer  of  the  said  Granary,  for  the  Year  past ; 
And  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  him  for  his 
Care  of  the  Granary,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  WilUams  be  Directed  to  Deliver  to  No  Person, 
more  than  Half  a  Bushel,  of  Grain  or  Meal,  of  the  same  sort,  at 
one  Time. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Gridley,  be  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and  Flax, 
within  this  Town,  the  Year  ensuing.     Sworn. 

A  List  of  Persons  in  Nomination  for  several  Offices  in  the  District 
of  Rumney  Marsh,  for  the  year  ensuing.  Presented,  Accordingly, 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Benjamin  Whittmorc,  be  Constable  for  the 
District  of  Rumney  Marsh,  the  Year  ensuing.     Sworn. 

Voted,  That  Mess".  Samuel  Floyd  and 

Daniel  Tuttle,  be  Fence  Viewers. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Hasey,  be  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Voted,  That  Mess".  Joseph  Hasey  and 

Samuel  Hasey,  be  Hogreves. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Nathanael  Tuttle  be  Haward  or  Field-driver, 
within  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh,  the  year  ensuing. 


Mess".  John  Simpson     -   ^ 
Joseph  Lee    -     - 
Richard  Clarke  - 


Pay 
Pay 
Pay 

Jonathan  D wight    )-   Constables      -     -     -     -         Pay 

John  Breck     -     - .     -  Pay 

John  Clark  and  -  Sworn 

Isaac  Casno  --J Pay 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 

[339.]  The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the 
Town  Treasurers  Accounts,  the  year  past.  As  Entred  in  the 
Treasurer's  Book,  was  Read,  Accepted,  and 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  discharged  accordingly. 

The  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esquire  made  a  Motion  respecting  the 
Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  after  Consideration 
had  thereon, 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  within  this  Town,  for  the 
Time  being.  Do,  from  time  to  time  hereafter,  in  the  close  of  the 
year,  after  their  Accounts  have  been  Audited  by  a  Committee  for 
that  purpose  appointed,  Lodge  the  same  in  the  Town-Clerk's  Office. 

The  Select  Men's  Report  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Public  Schools, 
the  year  past.  Presented,  and  Read 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Visit 
the  Public  Schools  within  this  Town,  Desiring  Such  Gentlemen  to 
Accompany  them  in  the  said  Visitation,  as  they  shall  think  proper, 


154 


City  Document  No.   66. 


And  that  They  Report  to  the  Town  what  Condition  they 

find  them  in. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  James  Read  and  Others,  Masters  of  the 
Fire  Engines,  Praying  to  be  Exempted  from  serving  the  Town  in 
Other  OfBces  for  the  year  ensuing, Read.     And 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted  ;  And  that 
they,  with  the  other  Persons  belonging  to  their  several  Company's 
be,  and  hereby  are  Exempted  from  serving  the  Town  in  other 
Offices,  for  the  ensuing  Year. 

Upon  Reading  several  Petitions  for  Paving,  Viz' 
Orange  Street 
Wood  Lane 
Love  Street 
Green  Lane,  and 
Beer  Lane, 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee,  to  talce  the  several  Petitions 
above  mentioned,  under  their  consideration,  That  they  View  the 
Places,  Compute  the  Charge,  and  Report  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

[340.]  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be^  and  hereby  are  Desired, 
as  a  Committee  to  take  into  Consideration  the  above  Petitions, 
make  an  Estimate  of  the  Charge,  and  report  thereon  Accordingly. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Belcher  Hancock,  School  Master  at  Rumny 
Marsh,  Praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  for  Reasons  men- 
tioned. Read,  And  the  Question  put.  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioner  should  be  Granted? 

Voted,  in  the  Negative,  and  that  the  Petition  be  Accordingly 
Dismist. 

Mr.  Samuel  Gibson's  Petition  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary, 
As  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar  School  in  this  Town,  for  Reasons 
therein  mentioned.     Read, 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Twenty  five  Pounds  p  Annum  be,  and 
hereb}^  is  Added  to  Mr.  Samuel  Gibson's  Salary  in  Answer  to  his 
Petition, 

Mess''^  Stephen  Minot  Jun"".     -     -      1 
Abraham  How     -     -     -     - 


James  Henshaw  - 
Josiah  Torrey 
John  Blowers 
William  Hickling 
Edward  Drinker  - 
Obadiah  Cookson 
Jonathan  Foster  - 
Were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mess".  William  Parkman 
Moses  P^ayres    - 
Francis  Wardall 
Elijah  Vinal  -     - 
Harrison  Gray  -         | 
John  Avery  -     -        I 
Edward  Brasier  } 

Thomas  Johnson       J 
Were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


y  Constables 


Clerks  of  the  Market. 


Pay 
Pay 

Sworn 

Pay 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Pay 

Excus'd 

Excus'd 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Pay 

Pay 

Excus'd 

Pay 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1736.  155 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  to  Morrow  at  Nine 

O'clock  in  the  Morning. 

[241.]  Tuesday  March,  15th. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  according  to  Adjournment, 

Mess".  Gamaliel  Wallis     ---1      -----     Pay 

Philip  Audebert     -     -     -       |  One  of  the  Life  Guard 

Josias  Byles  Jun^       -     -       !  ^,       ,   , ,  Sworn 

A.T  ^-1  1  XT  1  ^Constables.        ^ 

]Nathanael  Holmes      -     -       f  bworn 

James  Hawding     -     -     -       j      -     -     -     Paid  in  17 

Nathanael  Hasey  ---      J      ----       Sworn 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  on  the  Affair  of  the  North  Battery 
AVharf  Read,  and  is  as  follows. 

According  to  the  former  Report,  Were  the  North  Battery  Wharf 
in  repair,  as  is  therein  set  forth.  We  are  Informed,  there  are  Per- 
sons that  will  Give  One  Hundred  Pounds  p  year,  and  upwards, 
and  if  there  should  be  Occasion,  will  be  ready  to  clear  the  wharf 
fit  for  the  Service  it  used  to  be  applied  to, 

John  Walker 
Thomas  Lee 
Jeff  Bedgood 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  Referr'd  for  futher  Consideration,  'till 
the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  that  in  the  mean  time,  any  of  the 
Inhabitants  may  have  Opportunit}^  (if  they  see  Cause)  to  Repair 
to  the  Select  Men,  and  lay  before  them  their  Proposals,  or  Terms, 
On  which  the}'  will  Undertake  to  Repair,  Or  Lease  the  said  Wharf, 
that  the  same  may  be  Accordingly  Reported  at  the  said  Meeting 

The  Petition  of  Samuel  Adams  Esquire,  and  sundry  other  In- 
habitants, Abutters  on  Barton's  Rope  Walk,  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Petition  be  referr'd  to  the 
next  General  Town  Meeting ;  And  that  in  the  mean  time,  the  Select 
Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  take  the  same  into  Consider- 
ation, Enquire  into  the  Affair,  And  Report  their  Opinion,  What 
may  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon  at  the  said  Meeting. 

[243.]  A  Memorial  of  Mr.  Rowland  Houghton,  Containing 
some  Proposals  for  Preventing  the  danger  of  Fire  by  Chimnies, 
Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  said  Proposals  be  Referr'd 

to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting That  so  in  the   mean 

time  Any  Person  or  Persons  may  Treat  with  the  Select  Men  about 
the  Terms,  upon  which  they  will  undertake  the  same,  Who  are  De- 
sired to  Receive  such  proposals  (if  any  be  ofiered)  and  to  Report 
thereon,  at  the  said  Meeting. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  That  a  proper  Engine  might 
be  Erected  for  the  Weighing  of  Hay,  brought  to  Market,  Read, 
Debated,  and  thereupon. 

Voted,  That  no  Person  whatsoever  being  an  Inhabitant,  or  Res- 
ident within  the  Town  of  Boston,  Presume  to  Buy  any  Hay  brought 
to  Market  from  and  after  the  Tenth  day  of  June,  next  ensuing, 
without  weighing  the  same,  Upon  the  Penalty  of  Twenty  Shillings 
for  every  breach  of  this  Order ;  And  that  a  By-Law  to  enforce  the 
same  be  prepared,  and  presented  to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 


156  City  Document  No.  66. 

of  the  Peace,  next  to  be  liolden  at  Boston,  for  the  County  of  Suf- 
folk, for  their  Approbation. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to  Receive  such  Pro- 
posals of  Methods  for  Weighing  of  Hay,  as  shall  or  may  be  laid 
before  them,  and  that  they  be  Desired  to  Report  thereon  at  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  if  any  be,  Or  at  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting. 

According  to  Order,  as  Entred  Yesterday,  The  Town  proceeded 
to  bring  in  their  written  Votes  for  County  Treasurer,  Which  being 
Collected,  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up  by  Constable  John 
Clark,  by  him  to  be  kept,  and  return'd  unto  the  next  Quarter 
Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Voted,  To  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Assessors. 

The  Votes  being  Accordingly  Collected  and  Sorted,  it  Appear'd, 
That, 

[^43,]  Mess".  Daniel  Loring") 

John  Staniford  | 

Richard  Buckley  | 

Peter  Thomas  )-     Assessors. 

Joshua  Blanchard 
Andrew  Eliot,  and 
William  Thomas 

Were  Chosen  Assessors  for  the  year  ensuing. 

According  to  Order,  the  Affair  of  Erecting  a  Work  House  came 
under  Consideration,  And  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee,  to  View,  and 
Report  their  Opinion  of  the  most  proper  and  convenient  Place  for 

Erecting  a  Work  House And  also  to  prepare  and  lay  before 

the  Town,  Upon  an  adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  intended  the 
29'^  instant,  A  Plan  or  Model  of  the  same,  for  their  Considera- 
tion. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen,  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  together 
with  the  former  Committee,  appointed  the  12th.  March,  1734.  be 
the  Committee  for  the  ends  and  purposes  above  mentioned. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  by  many.  Viz'.  That  the 
Town  would  by  a  Vote  manifest  their  Approbation  of  the  Proposals 
for  Erecting  a  Work  House,  according  to  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee. 

The  Question  was  accordingly  put,  viz'.  Whether  the  Town  did 
Approve  thereof  ? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative,  by  a  vast  Majorit3\ 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  the  Afternoon  at 
Three  O'Clock. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mess".  Joseph  Kneeland  --^      ------     Sworn 

Thomas  Pearson  --!>-,       ,  , ,  -     -     Pay 

T3     •      •    r,  >  Constables  -^ 

Benjamin  Bourn   -     -    J  -     - 

James  Bradford    -     -  j      ------     Excus'd. 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 

[344.]     Mr.  Thomas  Boucher,  was  Chosen  a  Clerk  of   the 

Market.     And  upon  a  motion  made  ------     Excus'd. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1736. 


157 


Mr.  Robert  Breck  was  Chosen  Clerk  of  the  Market,  iu  the  room 
of  Mr.  Boucher,  and  Sworn. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Survej-ors  of  the  High  Ways, 
for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  The  following  Question  was  put.  Viz'. 
Whether  the  Town  would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Tj^thing  Men  ? 

Voted,  in  the  Negative. 

Mess".  Samuel  May---^-------^  Sworn 

Nathanael  Hodgdon  -|     --------     Sworn 

John  Allen-     -     -     -    !     c     i  ^  t     ^.i  Sworn 

T?.vK^,.<-  ^-vr;ir„,^„  r    Sealers  of  Leather,     q 

Kooert  WiUiams  -     -    [  Sworn 


William  Young     --I- -S^ 


Sworn 


y  Fence-Viewers. 


J 
-1 


)>  Survey''* of  Shingles  &c. 


Sworn 


Sworn 


Sworn 

Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 


James  Dawson      -     -  J 
Were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather. 
Mess''^  Caleb  Ray  -     -     - 
Thomas  Foster 
John  Peii'ce 
John  Eudicut 
Joseph  Russell 
James  Barnard 
Joseph  White 
Were  Chosen  Fence-Viewers 
Mess".  Edward  Moberly  - 
John  Adams 
Matthew  Barnard 
Edward  Richards  - 
William  Paine 
Joshua  Thornton  J 

Were  Chosen  Surveyors  and  Measurers  of  Boards,  Plank,  Timber, 
and  Shingles. 

[245.]       Mess".  Thomas  Boucher 
David  Jeffries 
Joshua  Townsend 
John  Welch 
John  Ta3'lor 
Nathanael  Thayer 
Nathanael  Gardner 
Anthony  Sigourney 
John  Bennet 
John  Lambert 
Richard  Salter 
Wigglesworth  Sweetser 
Josiah  Carter 
Joseph  Webb 
Benjamin  Edwards 
Were  Chosen  Scavengers,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  No  Money  be  henceforward  drawn  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury,  for  the  Payment  of  any  Scavenger  or  other  Person  for 
the  Carting  of  Street  Dirt,  Provided  the  same  be  Carried  forth  out 
of  this  Town. 

And  upon  a  Motion  made. 

Voted,  Tiiat  the  Select  Men  be  and  hereby  are  Impowered  to 


)■  Scavengers. 


158  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Treat  with  any  Person  or  Persons  Who  may  Offer  Proposals  for 

the  Carrying  away  the  Street  Dirt,  without  Cliarge  to  the  Town, 

And  Tlie^'  are  Desired  to  Report  thereon,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Mess".^  Joseph  Calef  "] 

Thornton  Barret  1  tt 

■c^    1  •  1  /-,  >Hogreves.  o 

Ezekiel  Carver    -     -    (       °  -     _     -     -     Sworn 

Simon  Howard    -     -  ) -     Sworn 

Mr.  Richard-Carter  Cowel,  was  Chosen  Haward. 

A  Motion  being  made,  That  the  Town  would  now  proceed  to 
the  Consideration  of  what  may  be  proper  for  them  to  do  respect- 
ing the  Three  Tracts  of  Land,  Granted  by  the  Great  and  General 
Court,  the  29th.  December,  1735.  to  the  town  of  Boston. 

And  after  debate  thereon. 

[246.]  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  and  hereby  are  Desired 
and  Impowred  to  Receive  the  Proposals,  that  may  be  made  by 
any  Person  or  Persons,  respecting  either  the  Settling  the  said 
Townships,  Or  the  Disposing  of  them ;  And  that  The}^  Report 
thereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Mess".  Bartholomew  Gedney^ 

Robert  Skinner    -     -  [•  Constables.  (Excus'd 

Joseph  Lewis  -    -    -j Excus'd 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mess".  Thomas  Morris  )>-,       ,,, Excus'd 

T  1     u  f  Constables  -r> 

John  iurney    -J  _     _     .     _     .       pay 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Fifty  Pounds  be 
allow'd  and  Paid  to  the  Hon.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esquire  Town 
Treasurer,  for  his  Service  in  that  Office  the  year  past. 

The  Hon.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esquire,  was  Chosen  Town- 
Treasurer,    for   the   Year   Ensuing. 

Capt.  William  Downe  ") 

Mr.  James  Allen  | 

Mr.  Thomas  Green  }■  Auditors. 

Mr.  Andrew  Oliver  and 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
Were   Chosen   Auditors   of  the  Town-Treasurer's  Accounts  the 
Year  ensuing.     Who  are  Desired  to  see  that  the  Draughts  made 
upon  the  Treasury,  by  the  Select  Men,  and  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
be  agreeable  to  Law,  and  the  Town  Votes  and  Orders. 
Capt.  Daniel  Pecker  ") 

Mr.  William  Rand  >■  Collectors. 

Mr.  Nathanael  Barber         ) 
Were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Rates  and  Taxes,  within  the  Town  of 
Boston,  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Whittmore,  was  Chosen  Collector  of  Rates  and 

Taxes  within  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh  the  Year  ensuing. 

[347.]     Mess".  Gershom  Keyes     -     "|      .     .     .     .     Excus'd. 

John  Waldo     -     -      [-Constables-     -Sworn. 

Jonathan  Farnum      )      -    -     .     -    -  Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Constables. 

A  Motion  being  made  and  seconded,  That  the  Town  would  now 
proceed   to   Consider  of  some  means,  whereby  the   Inhabitants 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1737.        159 

might  be  better  and  more   effectually  provided  with  Wood,  and 
some  Debate   had  thereon, 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  of  Five  Persoos  to  Project  some 
Method  for  the  End  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That,  The  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire 

The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire 
Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard 
Major  Samuel  Sewall,  and 
Capt.  Daniel  Henchman, 
be  the  Committee,  Who  are  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town  there- 
on, as  soon  as  conveniently  they  can. 

Mr.  Samuel  Eidgaway,  was  Chosen  Constable.     Sworn. 
Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded, 

Voted,  To  make  an  Addition  to  the  Number  of  Surveyors  of 
Shingles,  Measurers  of  Boards,  Timber  &c.      Accordingly, 

Mess".  Joseph  White    )  ^  «  a^  •     -i        e     -     -  Sworn. 

T         1    CT  Ml-      h  Surveyore  of  Shmgles,  &c.         o 
Joseph  Skillm   j  -^  »      '         .     .  feworn. 

Were  Chosen  Surveyors  and  Measurers  of  Boards,  Shingles  &c. 

in  Addition  to  the  number  already  Chosen. 

Mr.  Gammon  Stevens,  was  Chosen  one  of  the  Clerks  of  the 
Market Pay. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  29th. 
of  March,  Currant,  At  Three  O'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[348.]  Tuesday,  March,  29''^.  1737. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  accordiug  to  Adjournment. 

Mess".  William  Greenleaf  -)mi       j-Arr^---     -Pay 
T  1     rr     1  >  Clerks  of  Market.  ^^  "^ 

John  Tucker  -     -     -    )  -     -     _     _  Pay 

Were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market. 

According  to  Order  of  the  Town  the  15*.  instant  The  Draft  of  a 
By-Law  was  presented  for  Consideration,  relating  to  the  Weighing 

of  Hay,  bro't  to  Market Read,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  further  referr'd  to  the  Consideration 
of  the  Select  Men  ;  Who  are  Desired  to  Report  at  the  next  Gen- 
eral Town  Meeting,  what  They  think  may  be  proper  for  the  Town 
to  do  thereon. 

The  Honourable  Samuel  Welles  Esq'',  from  the  Committee  Ap- 
pointed to  View,  and  Report  their  Opinion  of  the  most  proper  and 
Convenient  Place  for  Erecting  a  Work  House,  Presented  their 
Report,  As  follows  Viz'. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referr'd  the  Consideration  of 
a  place  and  model  for  the  Work  House  propos'd  to  be 
Erected  in  the  Town  of  Boston,     Report  as  follows,  viz'. 

1.  That  the  most  convenient  Place  as  they  Apprehend,  is 
at  the  South  Western  End  of  the  House  of  Correction,  or  IJride- 
wel.  To  begin  at  the  upper  or  North  western  Corner  of  Bridewel, 
and  Extend  Eastward  by  and  Adjoyning  to  said  Bridewel,  the 
Shed  on  the  South  eastern  side  of  it,  and  the  South  western  Wall 
of  the  Burying  Yard. 

2.  As  to  the  Model  of  the  House,  the  Committee  Propose, 
That  it  be  One  Hundred  and  forty  feet  long.  Twenty  feet  Wide, 
Sixteen  feet  high,  from  the  lower  Floor  of  the  House  to  the  upper 


160  City  Document  No.  66. 

or  Garret  floor,  To  be  Built  of  Brick,  to  be  upon  a  ]ine  and  face 
to  the  South  West,  tlie  Chimnies  all  on  the  North  Eastern  or 
[349.]  Backside,  A  Common  Hall  of  Thirty  two  feet  long,  Five 
Other  Rooms,  All  these  below ;  Nine  Chambers,  the  Roof  pitch'd. 
Elevated  Forty  five  degrees  ;  A  Cellar  Eight  feet  deep  under  the 
whole,  A  Well,  A  Convenient  Separate  House  for  Washing,  Brew- 
hig,  and  Baking  ;  And  a  House  of  Office. 

And  to  Accommodate  the  Work  House,  and  make  the  Appear- 
ance or  Prospect  the  better,  Tiie  Committee  also  Propose,  That 
the  Granary  be  remov'd,  if  the  Town  shall  Order  it  at  a  Meeting 
for  that  purpose  warned,  from  it's  present  standing  to  the  South 
eastern  Corner  of  the  Burying  Place,  The  Fi'ont  or  Eastern  Side 
of  the  Granary  to  be  set  on  a  line  with  the  Eastern  Wall  of  the 
Burying  Yard,  A  Fence  to  be  Carried  from  the  Southeastern  Cor- 
ner of  the  Granary  in  the  line  of  the  Front  of  the  Granary,  South 
Westerly  Twelve  feet,  then  to  turn  upon  right  Angles  North  West- 
erly and  go  uix>n  that  Point  till  it  intersect  or  meet  a  line  or  Fence 
upon  right  Angles  to  be  drawn  or  Erected  from  the  upper  or  North 
Western  Corner  of  Bridewel  aforesaid,  this  Spot  of  Land,  being 
about  Seventy  Seven  feet  and  an  half  wide,  And  three  Hundred  and 
Twenty  Eight  feet  long,  will  be  necessary  for  Yard  Room  and 
Other  Accommodations  for  the  Work  House. 

The  Committee  would  also  Inform  the  Town,  That  They  have 
consulted  able  Work  men  and  others  as  to  the  Cost  of  removing 
the  Granary  and  Building  a  Cellar,  And  find  it  may  be  Effected 
for  Two  Hundred  and  Seventy  two  Pounds  and  the  Use  of  the 
Cellar  (which  is  to  be  built  under  the  vfhole)  for  Sixteen  Years. 

In  the  Name  and  by  Order  of  the  Committee 

Samuel  Welles. 

Which  being  Read  Three  several  Times, 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  desired  to  Issue 
forth  their  Warrants,  for  Convening  the  Freeholders  [350.]  And 
other  Inhabitants,  in  Public  Town  Meeting,  On  Tuesday  the  Fifth 
of  April  next,  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning,  In  Order  to 
take  under  Consideration  the  Removal  of  the  Granary ;  And  also, 
what  may  then  be  tho't  proper  for  them  to  do  towards  the  Erect- 
ing and  Settling  a  Work  House,  According  to  the  Report  of  the 
Committee,  Now  Read  and  Accepted. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  respecting  the  Three  Townships,  as  Entred 
the  15'^.  Currant, 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  and  impowered.  Not 
only  to  receive  the  Proposals  that  may  be  made  by  Others ;  but 
also  to  draw  up  a  Scheme  of  such  Proposals  as  they  shall  think 
proper.  Either,  for  bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said 
Townships,  Or,  the  Disposing  of  them,  As  they  shall  Judge  most 
Advantageous,  And  laj-  the  same  before  the  Town  for  their  Con- 
sideration, at  the  next  General  Town-Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Insert  in  the  next 
Warrant  for  Calling  a  Town  Meeting,  The  Choice  or  Appointment 
of  a  suitable  Person  to  take  the  Care  and  Oversight  of  the  Gran- 
ary, in  the  Room  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  lately  deceas'd. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1737.       161 

Mess".  John  Mortimer    )    -^i^  i  „  ^f  +r,^  T\r„,.i.^f  Sworn 

Milam  Alcock-    |    Clerks  of  the  Market  -     -     g^^^^ 

Were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

[351.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabi- 
tants of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  lawfully  Warned,  Assembled 
in  Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  On  Tuesday,  April, 
6th.  Anno  Domini,  1737. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Thomas  Prince  ;  The 
Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting  were  Read,  and  the  Town  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator. 

Voted,  That  the  Honourable  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire  be  the  Mod- 
erator of  this  Meeting. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  to  the  Select  Men  relat- 
ing to  the  Appropriating  the  Markets  to  some  other  Use,  Read. 

A  Petition  of  Mary  Green  for  Repair  of  Damages,  by  her  Re- 
ceiv'd.      Read. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  for  One  Quarter  of  an 
Hour,  and  then  to  Meet  upon  the  lower  Floor  of  the  Town-House. 

Where  being  Assembled, 

A  Motion  was  made  and  seconded,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of 
an  Overseer  of  the  Granary,  in  the  Room  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Wil- 
liams Deceased And  in  Order  thereto  a  Question  was  put, 

Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  would  make  the  Choice  by  Written  Votes, 
or  by  a  Hand  Vote  ? 

Voted,  To  Chuse  an  Overseer  of  the  Gtanary  by  Written  Votes. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  further  Adjourned  for  the  Space 
of  Half  an  Hour,  then  to  meet  in  the  Reverend  Mr.  Checkley's 
Meeting  House,  on  Church  Green,  Summer  Street. 

And,  That  all  Chaiges  arising  for  Repair  of  any  damage  which 
may  happen  to  be  done  to  the  Seats  or  Pews  in  said  Meeting 
House,  by  reason  of  the  Towns  Meeting  there,  be  defrayed  out  of 
the  Town  Treasury. 

j_353.]  The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment, at  the  Publiek  Meeting-House,  on  Church  Green. 

The  Votes  for  an  Overseer  of  the  Granary  being  Collected  and 

Sorted,  it  appeared.  That  the  Number  of  Voters,  were 412. 

And  That  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  was  Chosen  by  a  majority  of 
the  Voters,  Viz' 268  Votes. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby  Chosen  Over-Seer  of  the 
Granary,  Give  Security,  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men,  for 
his  faithful  Discharge  of  the  said  Trust,  before  he  Enter  upon  his 
said  Employment. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Consider  what  might  be  Proper  for 
them  to  do,  relating  to  the  Removal  of  the  Granary;  And' the 
Erecting,  and  Settling  a  Work  House. 

The  Affair  being  accordingly  Debated,  the  following  Votes 
were  previously  drawn  up.  Read  several  times,  and  passed,  Viz'. 

Whereas  the  Committee  appointed  the  Fourteenth  of  JMarch  173G, 
to  Consider  What  might  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  Do,  with  rC" 
spect  to  Building  a  Work  House  &c.     Have  Reported,  That  it  is 


162  City  Document  No.  GQ. 

proper  to  have  One  Erected ;  Assigned  a  place  therefor ;  And  it 
being  also  Represented  to  the  Town,  That  a  Number  of  Gentle- 
men have  Subscribed  liberally  for  promoting  this  good  Purpose. 

Therefore 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted ;  And  That  a  Work 
House  be  accordingly  Erected,  the  Subscribers  Paying  their  re- 
spective Subscriptions,  into  the  Hands  of  a  Committee  to  be 
Chosen  and  Appointed  for  Building  the  same. 

And  to  Accommodate  the  Work  House,  and  make  the  Appear- 
ance or  Prospect  the  better. 

Voted,  That  the  Granary  be  removed  from  it's  present  Standing, 
to  the  Southeastern  Corner  of  the  Burying  Place,  Agreeable  to  the 
said  Report. 

[353.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three 
O'clock  this  Afternoon. 

Afternoon  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Petition  of  Mary  Green, Read, 

And  inasmuch  as  the  subject  Matter  thereof  does  not  lye  before 
the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Petition  be  Dismiss'd. 

It  being  Moved,  That  the  Town  would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of 
a  Committee  for  Building  the  Work  House,  it  was  accordingly. 
Voted,  That  the  Number  of  the  Committee  be  Seven. 
Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be  Chosen  by  a  Hand- Vote. 
Voted,  That, 

The  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire  • 
The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esquire 
Capt.  Daniel  Henchman 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire 
Mr.  Andrew  Oliver,  and 
James  Bowdoin  Esquire 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  and  purposes  aforesaid. 

The  Select  Men  to  whom  was  Referr'd  the  Consideration  of  the 
Affair  relating  to  Weighing  of  Hay,  Presented  their  Report, 
As  follows,  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  as  above.  We  the  Sub- 
scribers,  having   Considered    the   Affair   referr'd    to   Us, 
Report  thereon,  as  follows.  Viz'. 
That  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  there  be  Erected,  within 
and  near  the  Fortification,  An  Engine,  Suitable  for  the  Weighing 
of  Hay  ;  And  We  think  it  most  just  and  equal  that  the  Cost  and 
Charge  thereof  [354.]  Be  born  by  a  Subscription  from  such  Per- 
sons as  are  principally  concern'd  in  buying  of  Hay,  and  Others 
who  shall  voluntarily  Subscribe  for  the  same. 

That  from  and  after  the  day  of 

(Provided  the  said  Engine  be  then  Erected)  All  Carts  and  other 
Carriages  of  Ila.y,  as  they  come  into  Town,  shall  be  weighed,  and 
a  Tally  with  the  weight  of  the  Cart  and  Hay  be  then  fis'd  upon  it, 
and  that  the  Cart  or  Carriage  upon  its  Return  be  Tared,  and  the 
weight  thereof  marked  on  it. 

That  a  suitable  Person  be  Appointed  by  the  Town,  to  take  Care 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1737.  163 

that  the  said  Engine  be  kept  in  good  Repair,  and  to  see  the  Weight 
of  all  Hay  thus  brought  to  Market,  and  to  Tally  the  same,  and 
mark  the  Carriages  on  their  Return,  as  aforesaid. 

That  there  be  allow'd  to  the  said  Person  for  every  load  of  Hay 
so   weigh'd  to   be  paid   by  the  Person  who  i3uys  the  same 

Or  in  Case  of  his  absence  at  the  Time  of  Weighing,  then 

to  be  paid  by  the  Importer,  Who  shall  be  reimbursed  by  the 
Buyer. 

That,  after  the  said         day  of  and  the  Erecting  the  said 

Engine,  If  any  Person  or  Persons  whatsoever  belonging  to  the  Town 
of  Boston,  shall  Buy  any  Hay  thus  brought  to  Market,  without  the 
same  be  first  Weigh'd,  as  above,  He  or  they  shall  forfeit  and  pay 
the  sum  of  Twenty  Shillings  for  every  Load  or  Parcel  so  bought. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted &c. 

Jonathan  Armitagb 
Alexander  Foksxth 
Apr.  1,  1737  Caleb  Lyman  }- Select  Men. 

Jonas  Clarke  I  . 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun'.    J 

Which  Report  being  Read 

[355.]  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Affair  be 
referr'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  in  May,  That  so  the  In- 
habitants, in  the  mean  time,  if  they  see  cause,  may  repair  to  the 
Select  Men,  and  make  known  to  them,  their  Proposals  for  under- 
taking the  Erecting  such  an  Engine  Agreeable  to  the  Report  of 
the  Select  Men. 

The  Select  Men  Presented  their  Report  relating  to  the  Three 
Townships,     As  follows.  Viz'. 

We  the  Subscribers  being  Desired  to  draw  up  some 
Proposals,  either  for  the  bringing  forward  the  Settlemeni 
of  the  Three  Tracts  of  Land,  lately  Granted  by  the 
Great  and  General  Court,  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  Or  for 
Disposing  of  the  same,  Having    maturely  Considered  the 

Affair,  Are  Humbly  Of  Opinion, 

That,  there  are  but  Two  Ways  (considering  the  present  Cir- 
cumstances of  the  Town)  Whereby  the  said  Grant  may  be  Im- 
proved to  advantage, 

Fhst,  By  Granting  a  Part  of  the  said  Lands  to  any  suitable  and 
sufficient  Person,  or  Number  of  Persons,  Who  shall  Oblige  them- 
selves under  such  Penalty,  and  in  such  Manner  as  shall  be  agreed 
on,  to  bi'iug  forward  the  Settlement  of  tlie  same,  within  the  Time 
limited  by  the  General  Court,  and  agreeable  to  the  conditions  of 

their  said  Grant  to   the  Town The   Residue   of   the   said 

Lands  to  continue  and  remain  to  be  hereafter  disposed  of  by  the 
Town,  at  such  Time  and  in  such  Manner,  as  thev  shall  Determine. 
Or, 

Secondly,  By  Sale  of  the  said  Grant,  to  such  Person  or  Persons 
as  shall  l)id  the  highest  Price  for  the  same ;  And  which  We 
Humbly   Apprehend    (under  our  present  Circumstances)  will  be 

found  most  Advantageous  to  the  Town. 

[35G.]  And  the  better  to  accomplish  the  same,  AYe  think  it 
convenient,  That   a   Committee   be  Chosen    and    Impowered,  to 


164  City  Document  No.  66. 

Treat  with   Such   Persons    as  may  Appear,  either   to   Settle,  or 
.  Purchase  the  said  Grant ;  And  that  it  be  Publickl,y  Advertised  in 

the  News  Papers,  or  otherwise,  As  the  Town  shall  judge  best. 

All  which  is  Submitted  &c. 

Jonathan  Armitage  ^ 

Alexander  Forsyth  | 

Apr.  1,  1737.     Caleb  Lyman  ^Select  Men. 

Jonas  Clarke  | 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun^  j 

Which  Report  was  Read,  Debated  and  thereupon, 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  Referr'd  to  the  Select  Men,  Who 
are  Desired,  According  to  their  Report,  to  Advertise  the  same  in 
the  Public  News  Papers ;  And  that  they  receive,  and  make  Pro- 
posals, Either  for  the  Settling,  or  Sale  of  the  said  Tracts  of  Land, 
And  Report  thereon  at  the  GrCneral  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

According  to  Order,  The  Town  came  into  the  Consideration  of 
the  Desire  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  that  the  Markets  may  be  Ap- 
propriated to  some  other  Use  — And  the  Petition  presented 

to  the  Select   Men   refering   to   the   same.     Read And   a 

Debate  ensuing, 

The  following  Question  was  put,  and  to  be  Decided  by  A  Hand 
Vote,  Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town  That  the  Consider- 
ation of  this  Affair  be  referr'd  to  A  General  Town  Meeting  to  be 
Call'd  in  May  next? 

Voted,  in  the  Negative. 

[357.]  Upon  a  Motion  thereupon  made  and  seconded  The 
following  Question  was  put.     Viz'. 

Quest.  Whetlier  the  present  Markets  at  the  South  and  North 
End  of  the  Town,  shall  be  Appropriated  to  some  other  Use? 

Voted,  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  take  under  Consideration, 
What  Other  Uses  the  said  Market  places  may  be  put  to,  so  as 
may  best  serve  the  Interest  of  the  Town,  And  to  Report  thereon, 
at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next. 

Voted,   That   the  Select  Men   be   a   Committee   for  the   Ends 
aforesaid ;  Who  are  desired  and  impowered  to  Consider  the  said 
Affair,  And  Report  thereon  accordingly.  — — — 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston, 
duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned,  Assembled  in  Public  Town 
Meeting  at  the  Town-House,  Upon  Tuesda}^  the  o*^  May,  Anno 
Domini,  1737. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  John  Webb,  The 
Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting  were  Read Then 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq^  Moderator  of  the  Select- Men, 
On  their  behalf  and  in  their  name,  inform'd  the  Town  (as  usual) 
That  the  Laws  of  this  Province  Ordain,  That  the  Select  Men  of 
each  Town  respectively,  or  the  major  part  of  them  be  present  at 
the  Meeting  for  Choice  of  Representatives,  to  give  Direction  for 
the  regular  and  orderly  carrying  on  of  the  same 


Boston  Town  Eecokds,  1737.  165 

Yet  since  there  are  Other  Affairs  to  be  Transacted  afterwards 
which  will  require  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator ;  If  the  Town  shall 
think  it  best  to  Chiise  One  now,  for  that  End,  the  Select  Men  Con- 
sent to  it,  Always  Reserving  to  themselves,  According  to  Law,  the 
Right  of  [358.]  Moderating,  until  the  Election  of  Represent- 
atives, as  aforesaid  be  ended Accordingly. 

The  following  Question  was  put,  Viz'  Whether  the  Town  would 
Now  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Moderator  for  the  Regulation  of 
the  Meeting  after  the  Choice  of  Representatives  ? 

Voted  In  the  Affirmative.     And, 

The  Votes  for  a  Moderator  being  Collected,  It  Appear' d, 

That   the   Honourable   Elisha   Cooke  Esq"  was  Chosen  Unani- 
moush'. 

The  Sheriff's  Precept,  --------    Read. 

Sundrvs  Laws    ----------     Read- 

Upon  a  Motion  made  It  was  proposed  to  the  Town  to  proceed  to 
the  Choice  of  Representatives.     And  accordingly, 

Voted  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 

The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found 
to  be 240 

The  Votes  being  Sorted,  It  Appeared  the  Three  following  Gen- 
tlemen, were  Chosen,  Viz'. 

No.  ofVotes. 

The  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire 216 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Jun'. 219 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 127 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  One  Rep- 
resentative, Which  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were 
found  to  be 221 

And  being  sorted.  It  Appeared,  there  was  no  Choice  made. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  following  Question  was  put  Viz' 
Whether  the  Town  would  immediately  proceed  to  the  Choice  of 
One  Representative. 

Voted,  In  the  Aflirmative 

[?i59.]  The  Votes  being  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters 
were  found  to  be     -------------     179. 

And  being  Sorted  It  Appear'd  the  following  Gentleman  was 
Chosen,  Viz' 

votes. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun''.     ---- 134. 

The  Choice  of  the  Representatives  being  at  an  End,  the  Select 
Men  declared  the  same.  And  the  Moderator  Assumed  His  Place. 
Petitions  and  Motions,  Viz'. 
The  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esq^  from  the  Committee  for  Erecting 
the  Work  House,  made  a  Motion  respecting  the  Placing  the 
Granary,  and  the  Foundation  of  the  Work  House.  &o. 
The  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esq^  also  Propos'd  to  the  Town  to  Con- 
sider of  some  Means  for  the  better  Improvement  of  the  broken 
Marsh  near  Fox-hill. 
The   Hon.  Jolm  Jeffries  Esq',  made   a   Motion  respecting  the 

Lense  of  Winnisimet  Ferry. 
INIr.  Peleg  Wiswall's  Petition,  for  Raising  bis  Salary     -      Read 
Mr.  Zech.  Ilicks's  Petition,  for  Raising  his  Salary    -     -     Read. 


166  City  Document  No.  66. 

A  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  for  reviving  the  Merchants 
Watch Read. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  laying  a  Drain  from  the 
South  Burying  Place,  to  Winter  Street    .....     Read. 

Mr.  William  Torrey  made  a  Motion,  to  Consider  of  some  Effect- 
ual Means  to  prevent  frauds  in  Cording  Wood. 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Four  O'Clock,  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

A  Petition  of  the  Hon.  John  Osborne  Esq^  James  Bowdoin  Esq"^ 
and  others,  Praying  the  Town  would  please  to  revive  their  former 
Vote  for  an  Allowance  of  Fifty  Pounds  p  Annum,  towards  the 
Support  and  Maintenance  of  the  Merchants  Watch  (so  call'd) 
Upon  the  Town  Dock  for  such  time  as  the  Merchants  shall  continue 
to  bear  the  remaining  part  of  the  Charge,  Or  Until  the  Town  shall 
see  Cause  Otherwise  to  Order  and  Direct :  The  said  Watch  to  be 
under  the  Direction,  [360.]  And  Regulation  of  the  Select  Men  for 
the  Time  being,  as  the  Law  directs.  For  Reasons  in  the  said  Peti- 
tion mentioned.  Read 

After  some  Debate  thereon.  The  Question  was  put,  Viz'. 
Whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  should  be  G-ranted? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  in  the  Morning,  respecting  the  Founda- 
tion and  Wall  of  the  Work  House,  and  Debate  thereon  ;  Several 
Workmen  present,  were  Desired  to  View  and  Consider  the  Circum- 
stances of  the  Place  designed.  And  to  Report  thereon  this  After- 
noon. 

Who  accordingly  having  view'd  the  Place  and  consider'd  the 
Circumstances  thereof.  Informed  the  Town,  That  according  to 
their  Judgment,  the  Wall  of  the  Work  House  might  be  built  close 
to  the  Brick  Wall  of  the  Burying  place,  without  any  inconvenience. 
And  that  the  Cellar  under  the  same  may  be  made  Secure  from 
Stench  &c,  without  an}-  considerable  Charge. 

Some  Debate  arising  respecting  the  Eves  dropings  of  the  Work 
House  to  be  Erected 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Erecting  the  Work  House  be, 
and  hereby  are  Desired  to  Consider  of  this  Affair,  and  Report  to 
the  Town  tomorrow.  What  they  shall  think  best  for  the  Town  to 
do,  as  to  placing  the  foundation  and  wall  of  the  Work  House,  so 
as  to  accommodate  the  said  Building,  and  preserve  Peace. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  with  respect  to  placing  the  Granary. 

Voted,  That  the  Granary  be  fixed  and  set  at  the  distance  of 
Twelve  feet  from  the  Wall  of  the  Burying  place. 

Voted,  That  Five  feet  be  added  to  the  Work  House,  in  length, 
for  the  better  Accommodation  of  the  same,  with  convenient  Enlrys 
and  Staires. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  a  Drain  to  [3(51.]  Be 
Laid  from  the  Tombs  in  the  South  Burying  place  into  the  Common 
Shore,  which  runs  thro'  Winter  Street  and  Summer  Street  to  the 
Bull  Wharf  so  called,  for  Reasons  therein  mentioned.  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  take 


Boston  Town  Records,  1737.  167 

the  said  Petition  under  Consideration,  Enquire  into  the  Circum- 
stances of  that  Afl'air,  And  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  Next 
Meeting,  What  they  think  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall,  Master  of  the  North  Grammar 
School,  Praying  for  an  Addition  to  be  made  to  his  Salary,  for 
Reasons  therein  mentioned.  Read 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  this  Petition  be  Granted,  And  that 
the  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  p  Annum  be  and  hereby  is  added  to 
the  Salary  of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall,  for  his  further  Encouragement, 
and  Support  in  the  said  Employment The  same  to  Com- 
mence from  the  Time  of  his  last  Quarterly  payment,  Viz',  the 
2oth.  of  February  past. 

The  Petition  of  Daniel  Pecker,  Nathanael  Barber,  and  William 
Rand,  Collectors  of  the  Taxes  &c.  for  the  Year  1736  Praying 
that  the  Assessors  of  the  Town  may  be  allow'd  to  set  upon  Abate- 
ments, until  the  last  Day  of  August  next for  Reasons  men- 
tioned   Read 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  Tomorrow  Morn- 
ing, at  Nine  O'Clock. 

Wednesday,  May,  4th. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Select  Men,  having  taken  a  List  of  the  Names  of  the  In- 
habitants, liable  by  Law,  and  qualified  to  serve  on  the  Petit  Jury, 
laid  the  same  before  the  Town  for  Approbation ;.  Agreable  to  a 

Law  of  this  Province  in  that  Case  made  and  provided The 

said  List  being  distinctly  Read  over,  was  Approved  accordingly. 

[262.]  The  Committee  for  Erecting  the  Work  House,  having, 
according  to  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  as  Entred  Yesterday,  View'd 
the  place  and  consider'd  the  affair  referr'd  to  them. 

Reported,  That  in  their  Opinion  it  will  be  best  that  the  Wall  of 
the  said  Work  House  be  set  Two  feet,  at  the  least,  Off,  from  the 
Wall  of  the  Burying  Place. 

Voted,  That  the  Wall  of  the  Work  House  be  accordingly  set  at 
the  distance  of  Two  feet,  at  the  least  from  the  Wall  of  the  Bury- 
ing Place  ;  Agreeable  to  the  Report  of  the  Committee. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  at  the  Beginning  of  the  Meeting,  by  the- 
Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq^  relating  to  the  Lease  of  Winnisimet 
Ferry,  which  expired  the  first  of  March  last,  before  the  letting  the 
same  on  a  New  Lease  had  been  Advertised  according  to  Order, 
Praying  the  Town  would  give  dii'ection  in  the  Affair 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  and  Impowered  to  let 
the  said  Ferry  continue  in  the  hands  of  the  last  Lessees  for  the 
Year  current,  if  they  see  cause;  -And  that  they  proceed  to  Lease 
out  the  same  for  a  Term  of  Years,  giving  Public  Notice  thereof, 
According  to  the  Vote  and  Order  of  the  Town  at  their  Annual 
Meeting  the  12th.  of  March,  1732. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  by  man}',  the  following 
Question  was  propos'd,  Viz'. 

Whether  it  should  l)e  left  to  the  Committee  for  Building  the 
Work  House,  according  to  their  Discretion  to  make  some  small 


168  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Alterations,  with  respect  to  making  of  Stairs,  Closets  or  Windows, 
so  as  may  to  tliera  seem  necessar3%  or  convenient  for  tlie  accommo- 
dation of  tlie  said  Building? 

Voted  In  the  Affirmative.  

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Adams 
iisq''.  and  Others,  relating  to  Bartons  Rope  Walk,  Presented,  and 

Read Viz'. 

[263.]  Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  as  above,  We  the 
Subscribers  have  Attended  the. Service  Desired  of  Us  ;  Consider'd 
the  Pra^'er  of  the  Petitioners;  View'd  the  Place,  and  Enquired 
into  the  Circumstances  of  it ;  And  are  Humbly  of  Opinion,  It  is 
not  Necessary  for  the  Town  to  act  any  thing  thereon,  And  there- 
fore that  the  Petition  be  Dismist. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted,  &c. 
John  Jeffries  ^ 

Jonathan  Armitage  | 

April,  28.  1737.  Alexander  Forsyth  \  a  i    *.  tit 

Caleb  Lyman  [Select  Men. 

Jonas  Clarke  | 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun.  J 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Petition  be 
accordingly  dismist. 

The  Reports  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  several  Petitions  for 
Paving,  were  Read,  and  are  as  follows  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  and  Desire  of  the  Town,  at  their  Annual 
Meeting  the  14th.  of  March,  last 

AVe  the  Subscribers  have  Attended  the  Service  Desired  of  us ; 
Taken  the  Petitions  for  Paving  referr'd  to,  under  Consideration ; 
View'd  and  Measured  the  several  Streets  ;  Computed  the  Charge 
of  Paving  them  ;  and  Report  thereon,  as  follows, 


First,  On  the  Petition  for  Paving  Wood  Lane,  &c. 


Having  View'd  and  Measured  the  said  Lane,  We  find  it 
measures  about  395  Yards,  the  Paving  whereof  will  cost,  £73  " 
16^3.  And  We  humbly  Apprehend,  It  may  be  Adviseable  that 
the  said  Lane  be  Paved  anew.  The  Town  bearing  One  Third  part 
of  the  Charge,  Provided  the  Abutters  be  at  the  Cost  and  Charge 
of  the  Remaining  Two  Thirds,  and  keep  the  same  in  repair  from 
time  to  time :  And  further  It  is  our  Opinion  That  the  Petitioners 
have  Liberty  at  their  own  Charge  to  Build  an  Open  Wharf  a  Cross 
the  Town  Slip,  to  lye  Open  for  the  Use  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  about  Eighty  or  an  Hundred  feet  below  the  High 
Way,  As  the  Town  shall  direct. 

[364.]     Secondly,  On  the  Petition  for  Paving  Beer  Lane. 

Having  View'd  the  Said  Lane,  &c.  We  find  it  Measures  about 
504  Yards,  and  that  the  Cost  of  Paving  the  same  will  amount  to 
apwards  of  £100.  And  Whereas  We  find  the  said  Lane  lyes 
upon  a  good  Descent,  and  that  the  Passing  therein  is  more  Com- 
modious than  many  other  of  the  Town We  are  therefore  of 

Opinion,  it  may  not  be  adviseable  for  the  Town  to  be  at  Charges 
in  Paving  the  same,  for  the  present. 

Thirdly,  On  the  Petition  for  Paving  Love  Street. 

Having  View'd  the  said  Street  &c.  We  find  it  Measures  abou^ 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1737.  1G9 

630  Yards,  And  that  the  Cost  of  Paving  the  same  will  amount  to 
upwards  of  £149.  But,  inasmuch  as  the  said  Lane  is  little  Im- 
proved in  Comparison  with  others  in  the  Town, We  are  Of 

Opinion  the  Paving  thereof  may  be  deferr'd  for  the  present. 

Fourthly,  On  the  Petition  for  Paving  Green  Lane. 

Having  View'd  the  said  Lane,  &c.  We  find  it  Measures  about 
2600  Yards,  the  Paving  whereof  will  cost  at  the  least  £650.  And 
Whereas,  it  does  not  Appear  to  us,  that  the  Abutters  thereon  have 
full}-  determined  to  Pave  their  Respective  parts  or  proportion 
thereof ;  And  the  Boundarys  of   the  Land  of  some  of  the  said 

Abutters,  rendering  the  said  Street  or  Lane  irregular We 

are  of  Opinion,  That  in  Consideration  of  the  Premisses,  together 
with  the  heavy  Charge  it  will  be  to  the  Inhabitants,  It  may  be 
adviseable  to  defer  the  Pavement  of  the  said  Lane  for  the  present. 


Fifthly,  On  the  Petition  for  Paving  part  of  Orange  Street. 

Having  taken  the  said  Petition  under  Consideration,  [365.] 
View'd  the  Said  Street,  and  finding  the  Southerly  half  thereof  to 
be  very  much  out  of  Repair ;  We  are  of  Opinion,  It  may  be  Ad- 
viseable for  the  Town  to  Expend  Three 

viseable  for  the  Town  to  Expend  Three  Hundred  and  Fifty  Pounds 
in  Paving  the  same :  Which  Sum,  We  find  by  Computation,  will 

pay  the  Towns  part  of  Paving,    1600   Yards   thereof Upon 

this  Condition,  That  some  sufficient  Person  or  Persons  shall  Appear 
to  Engage  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  and  Abutters  on 
the  said  Street,  bearing  their  proportionable  part  of  Paving  the 
same. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted,  &c.  — 

John  Jeffries  ") 

Jonathan  Armitage 

Alexander  Forsyth  1   c  i     *  tvt 

April,  29,  1737.         Caleb  Lyman  f  select  Men. 

Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun''.  J 

The  Reports  above,  being  severally  Read  and  Considered,  The 
Town  proceeded  to  pass  upon  Each  of  them  respectively  as 
follows.  Viz'. 

Voted.  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  upon  the  Petition  for 
Paving  Wood  Lane,  &c.  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  upon  the  Petition  for 
Paving  Beer  Lane,  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  upon  the  Petition  for 
Paving  Love  Street,  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  upon  the  Petition  for 
Paving  Green  Lane,  be  not  Accepted.     And, 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Capt.  James  Gooch  jun'.  as  follows 
Viz'.  That  he  the  said  Gooch  would  Engage  on  behalf  of  the  Abutters 
and  Proprietors  of  Land  in  said  Lane,  to  Advance  and  Pay  the 
whole  Sum,  which  the  said  Paving  shall  amount  unto;  Upon 
Condition  That  the  Town  Repay  to  the  Undertakers,  within  Three 
Years  [tiGG.]  Tiieir  proportiouable  ))art  thereof. 

In  Consideration  of  the  foregoing  Proposal  — 


170  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Voted,  That  Green  Lane  be  accordingly  Paved,  The  Abutters 
and  Proprietors  of  Land  in  said  Lane  Advanceing  the  Money,  and 
defraying  the  whole  Charge  thereof,  for  the  Present ;  And  that  the 
Town  Repay  then-  proportionable  part  of  said  Charge,  within  Three 
Years  next  after  the  Work  shall  be  compleated ;  Viz'.  One  Third 
part  thereof,  in  the  Year  1738  ;  One  Third  more,  in  the  Year  1739  ; 
and  the  remaining  Third  part,  in  the  Year  1740.  Upon  this 
further  Condition  also,  That  the  said  Street  or  Lane  be  first  reduced 
&  put  into  a  regular  form,  And  upon  no  other  Conditions  what- 
soever. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  upon  the  Petition  for 
Paving  Orange  Street,  be  Accepted.     And  that  the  said  Street  be 

Paved   agreeable    to   the   said    Report Upon    this   Condition 

Nevertheless That  the  original  Grantees  of  the  Beech,  Flats 

and  Meadow  Ground  On  Each  side  of  said  Street,  Or  their  Succes- 
sors the  present  Owners  or  Proprietors  thereof.  Do  well  and  faith- 
full}^  Secure  the  said  High  Way  from  being  Damnified  by  the 
Tides,  continuing  the  same  of  the  full  breadth  of  Forty  Eight  feet, 
And  Perform  all  and  singular  their  Engagements  Mentioned  in 
their  Grant,  As  the  same  is  Entred  in  the  Records  of  Boston, 
March  the  8th.  1707/8.  Lib.  2.  Fol.  291.  And  that  the  Other 
Proprietors  or  Abutters  on  said  Street  bear  their  proportionable 
part  of  the  Charge  of  Paving  the  same,  according  to  Custom. 

A  petition  of  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks,  Usher  of  the  North  Writing 
School ;  Pra^'ing  for  some  Addition  to  his  Salary,  for  Reasons 
mentioned Read, 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  p  Annum  be,  and  hereby 
is  Added,  to  the  Salary  of  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks,  for  his  further 

Encouragement,  and   Suport  in  the   Said   Employment, The 

same  to  Commence  from  the  Time  of  his  next  Quarterly  Payment, 
Viz',  the  28Lh.  of  May  Currant. 

[367.]  Upon  Information  and  Complaint  of  frequent  and  No- 
torious Abuses  in  the  Measure  and  Sale  of  Cord  Wood  within  this 
Town,  In  Consideration  thereof. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Select  Men,  Who  are 
hereby  Earnestly  Desired  to  take  Effectual  Care  to  prevent  such 
Abuses  for  the  future,  by  endeavouring  that  the  Laws  already  in 
that  Case  provided  be  duly  put  in  execution. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  to  whom  was  referr'd  the  Consid- 
eration  of  the  Desire  of  sundry  Inhabitants,  That  the   Markets 

might  be  Appropriated  to  some  other  uses As  Entred  the  5th. 

April  last  past.  Read,  As  follows.  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  and  Desire  of  the  Town,  as  above.  We  the 
Subscribers  have  attended  that  Service,  And  Accordingly 
Report,  as  follows, 

First,  as  to  the  South  Market 

That  Whereas  Improving  the  said  Market  by  turning  it  into 
Shops,  may  be  most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town,  We  are  of  Opin- 
ion It  may  be  Adviseable  for  the  Town  to  let  it  out,  during  the 
Time  of  their  Lease  therein,  to  such  Person  or  Persons  as  may 
Appear  to  Hire  it  for  that  End. 

Secondly,  As  to  the  North  Market 


Boston  Town  Kecoeds,  1737.  171 

We  Apprehend  it  can't  conveniently  be  Improved  to  an}^  other 
use,  in  the  Place  where  it  now  stands,  than  by  turning  it  into 
Shops ;  But  Inasmuch  as  that  would  greatly  incommode,  and 
might  prove,  on  several  Accounts  Inconvenient,  Not  only  to  the 
Neighbourhood,  but  also  to  One  of  the  Public  Meeting  Houses  for 
the  Worship  of  God,  which  stands  ver^-  near  to  it,  We  can't  think 
it  adviseable  to  do  it  but  rather,  that  the  said  Building  be  Re- 
moved to  some  more  convenient  Place,  and  Converted  to  such 
Other  Use  as  the  Town  shall  think  fit. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  &c. 
.     ,  nq    John  Jeffries  Caleb  Lyman  )  Select 

PJ-V,^  '  Jonathan  Armitage     Jonas  Clarke  }   -^ 

^'^  '     Alexani>er  Forsyth     Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun"".  ) 

[268.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  Three 
O'clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  On  the  Petition  for  Appropriating 
the  Markets  to  some  Other  Uses 

Read  again And, 

Upon  the  Desire  of  Mr.  John  Staniford,  that  the  By-Law  re- 
specting setting  up  the  Markets  might  be  read,  it  was  accordingly 

done Whereupon  the  said  Staniford  proceeded   to  cast   very 

indecent  Reflections  upon  the  Select  Men,  (as  he  had  also  done  in 
the  Forenoon)  On  Account  of  their  Report,  As  Agreeing  with  the 

Mob,  who  had  puU'd  down  the  Market  on  the   Dock For 

which  he  was  Reprimanded  by  the  Moderator But  con- 
tinuing His  Reproachful  Speeches,  not  only  against  the  Select  Men, 
but  the  Town  in  general ;  The  Moderator  again  Commanded  him  to 
keep  silence  as  to  that  matter,  and  not  to  hinder  the  Public  Busi- 
ness, Or  he  would  punish  him  for  his  Offence  as  the  Law  directs, 
withal   telling  him  that  his   Reflections   were   very  injurious  and 

abusive The  said  Staniford  told  the  Moderator  That  he  only 

was  of  that  Opinion,  and  insisted  upon  it,  that  what  he  had  said 
was  true,  and  it  was  his  Right  to  speak,  the  Town  having  not 
Ordered  otherwise. 

Upon  which  the  Moderator  propos'd  as  follows, 

You,  that  are  of  the  mind  that  Mr.  Staniford  has  several  times 
very  indecently  and  injuriously  Reflected  on  the  Select  Men,  and 
not  only  on  them,  but  on  the  whole  Town,  And  Therefore,  that 
the  Moderator  Command  him  to  keep  Silence,  and  say  no  more  of 
that  matter.  And  upon  his  refusal  the  LaAv  be  put  in  Execution 
against  him,  And  he  be  sent  out  of  the  Meeting  by  the  Hands  of  a 
Constable, 

Be  pleas'd  to  manifest  it. 

Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Negative  being  put  also No  hand  was  observ'd  to  be 

held  up,  but  l)y  Mr.  Staniford  only. 

Afterward  the  Moderator  proceeded  Upon  the  Report  of  the 
Select  Men,  which  being  Considered. 

[269.]  Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  respecting 
the  South   Market,  be   so  far  Accepted,  As,  that  the  said  Select 


172  City  Document  No.  GQ. 

Men  be  and  hereby  are  Inipowred  to  Transact  sucli  Agreement  a3 
the}^  have  propos'd  ;  Or  that  they  be  and  hereby  are  Impowred  to 
Agree  with  any  Person  or  Persons,  who  shall  or  may  Appear  to 
Purchase  the  said  Soutfi  Market,  in  the  best  way  and  manner  they 
can,  for  y*  advantage  and  Interest  of  the  Town. And 

On  the  Other  part  of  the  said  Select  Mens  Report,  respecting 
the  North  Market 

Voted,  Tliat  the   Select  Men  be,  and  hereb}^  are  Desired  and 

Impowred  to  take  down  the  North  Market  Hcjuse And  that 

the  Materials  thereof  be  removed  to  be  Erected  for  the  Accommo- 
dation of  the  Work  House. 

The  Honourable  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire  from  the  Committee 
Appointed  the  15  March  last,  to  project  some  Method  for  the 
better  and  more  effectual  providing  the  Town  with  Wood,  Presented 
their  Report,  Which  being  Read, 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be  and  hereby  are  Desired  to 
take  that  Affair  under  further  Consideration,  until  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting,  And  that  they  Report  thereon  then,  or  as  soon  as 
conveniently  they  can. 

A  Pi'oposal  in  Writing  made  and  presented  to  the  Select  Men 
for  the  Purchase  of  One  of  the  Tracts  of  Land  lately  Granted  by 
the  Great  and  General  Court  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  Signed  by 
William  Moore,  and  Three  others,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and 
Foi't}^  or  Fifty  others  their  Associates,  Read 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  and 
Impowered  to  Dispose  of  the  Three  Tracts  of  Land  lately  Granted 
to  the  Town  of  Boston,  by  Public  Auction  upon  Thursday  the  30th. 
of  June  next  Giving  Public  Notice  in  the  News  Papers,  of  the  Time, 
Place,  and  Conditions  of  the  Said  Sale. 

Mr.  John  Checkley,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  Mr.  Geishom  Keyes 
Prays  the  Town  would  please  to  take  under  Consideration,  their 
great  Labour,  and  expence  of  Time  in  Surveying  and  Platting 
three  Tracts  of  [370.]  Land  Granted  by  the  Great  and  General 
Court  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  And  that  they  would  make  them 
such  Allowance  therefor,  as  to  their  Wisdom  and  Goodness  shall 
seem  Meet. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  AUow'd  and  Paid,  to 
Mr.  John  Checkley,  in  full  for  his  Time  and  Trouble  in  Surveying 
the  Three  Townships  as  above  mentioned. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  be  Allow'd  and  Paid,  to 
Mr.  Gershom  Kej^es,  in  full  for  his  Time  and  Trouble  in  Surveying 
the  Three  Townships  as  above  mentioned. 

Mr.  John  Checkley  Informing,  That  in  a  Payment  made  him  by 
Mr.    Treasurer   Wadsworth,  He  Receiv'd  a  Bill  of  Five  Pounds 

which  proves  to  be  Counterfeit and  Praying  the  Town  would 

Relieve  him  therein in  such  way  and  manner  as  to  them  shall 

seem  meet,  The  Town  Treasurer  also  Affirming  That  according  to 
the  best  of  his  Knowlege  he  receiv'd  the  said  Counterfeit  Bill  of 
One  of  the  Collectors  on  the  Town's  Account. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  paid  out  of 
the  Town  Treasury  to  Mr.  John  Checkley,  in  full,  for  the  said 
Counterfeit  Five  pound  Bill,  paid  him  as  above. 


BosTox  ToAVJ^  Kecords,  1737.  173 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Eight  Thousand  Six  Hundred  Pounds,  To  be 
Raised  b_y  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston, 
for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defraying  other  necessary  Charges  aris- 
ing within  and  for  the  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  — 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  Petitions  of 
sundry  Inhabitants  for  Paving  "Wood  Lane  &c.  be  Reconsidered  so 
far  as  relates  to  the  building  an  Open  Wharf  Across  the  Towns 
Slip  at  the  lower  End  of  the  said  Lane. 

[271.]  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  said  Report  so 
far  as  it  respects  the  building  an  Open  Wharf  A  cross  the  Towns 
Slip  at  the  lower  end  of  Wood  Lane,  be  continued  over  to  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  the  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire,  at  the 
beginning  of  this  Meeting,  That  the  Town  would  Consider  of  some 
Means  for  the  better  security  and  Improvement  of  the  broken 
Marsh  near  Fox  Hill. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham, 
Mr.  James  Allen,  and 
Mr.  Robert  Rand, 
Who  were   a   Committee  formerly  chosen  and  appointed  on  this 
Affair  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  take  this  motion  under  Con- 
sideration And  Report  to  the  Town  at  their  next  General  Meeting, 
What  the}'  think  maj'  be  best  for  them  to  do  for  the  security  and 
better  Improvement  of  the  said  Marsh. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  Bos- 
ton, duly  Qualified,  and  lawfully  Warned,  Assembled  in  Public 
Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  Upon  Saturda}'  June,  11th. 
1737. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting  being  Read 

The  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire  was  Chosen  Moderator. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  respecting  Paving  part  of 
Orange  Street.  . Read. 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion  addressed  the  Moderator,  to  this  Effect ; 
That,  He  had  no  Objection  to  make  to  the  Regularit}'  of  the  Towns 
being  thus  Assembled But  that  it  was  his  Opinion  the  Meet- 
ing was  not  well  Timed,  for  such  Reasons  as  he  then  Mentioned ; 
And  therefore  Pray'd  the  Meeting  might  be  Adjourned  to  another 
Day. 

[272.]  Which  Motion  being  Seconded,  Iho'  for  other  Reasons, 
then  also  mentioned,     It  was  Accordingl}'. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  Next,  the- 
13th.  of  June  current.  At  Eight  O'Clock  in  the  Morning. 

Monday,  June  13th.  1737. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  Read,  Praying  the  Town  to 
Reconsider  a  Vote  pass'd  by  them  at  their  Meeting  the  4th.  of  May 
last,  for  Paving  part  of  Orange  Street,  So  far  only,  as  respects  the 
Conditions  As  tliey  are  Entred,  Fol.  266.     And  that  they  would 


174  City  Document  No.   QG. 

Please  to  Order  the  said  Pavement  to  be  made,  upon  such  other 
Conditions  as  might  more  Cheerfully  be  complyM  withal. 

Upon  which  a  Debate  ensu'd,  And  the  Question  being  put,  Viz*. 

Whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  Should  be  Granted? 

Voted,  In  the  negative. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  take  under  Consideration  Their 
Vote  pass'd  the  Fourth  of  May  last,  relating  to  the  Sale  of  the 
Three  Tracts  of  Land,  which  were  lately  Granted  by  the  Great  and 
General  Court,  to  the  Town  of  Boston  :  And  After  long  Debate 
thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  herebj^  are  Desired,  At  the 
Opening  of  the  said  Sale,  the  30*.  instant,  to  Declare  Pnblicklj', 
That  Neither  They,  nor  any  or  either  of  them.  Nor  any  other 
Person  whatsoever,  are  Authorised  or  Impowered  In-  the  Town 
of  Boston  to  Bid  any  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money  for  the  Said  Tracts 
of  Land  then  to  be  sold:  But  if  any  of  them  do  or  shall  Bid,  it 
will  be  on  their  Acco''.  in  their  Private  Capacity,  and  not  other- 
wise. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

[273.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabit- 
ants of  Boston,  duly  qualified,  and  lawfully  warned,  Assembled  in 
Public  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House,  upon  Wednesda}-, 
Sept.  21st.  1737. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Cooper, 

A  Precept  under  the  Hand  and  Seal  of  the  Honourable  John 
Quincy  Esquire,  Speaker  of  the  Honoui'able  House  of  Represent- 
atives, Directed  to  the  Select  Men,  Requiring  them  to  Assemble 
the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants,  to  Elect  and  Depute  (if 
they  see  cause)  A  Person  to  serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  the 
present  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly,  In  the  Room  of 
the  Honourable  Elisha  Cooke  Esquire,  Deceased  ;  Together  with 
the  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting.  —  Read 

The  Laws  respecting  the  Power  of  the  Select  Men,  to  Give  Di- 
rections for  the  Regular  and  Orderly  Carr3'ing  on  the  Meetings  for 
the  Choice  of  Representatives, Read. 

Whereas  there  are  several  Affairs  to  be  brought  under  Consider- 
ation at  this  Meeting  whix?h  will  require  the  Presence  of  a  Moder- 
ator, Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  The  following  Question 
was  put,  Viz'. 

Quest.  Whether  the  Town  would  now  proceed  to  the  Choice 
of  a  Moderator  for  the  Regulation  of  the  Meeting,  after  the  Election 
of  a  Representative  shall  be  Ended? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

The  Votes  for  a  Moderator  being  accordingly  Collected  It 
Appeared,  That  the  Honourable  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire  was 
Chosen,  by  a  great  Majority. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  The  following  Question  was  put.  Viz*. 
Whether  the  Town  would  proceed  to  Elect  and  Depute,  A  Person 
to  serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  or 
Assembly,  in  the  Room  of  the  Hon.  Elisha  Cooke  Esq"".  Deceased? 

Voted,  in  the  Affirmative. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1737.  175 

[374.]  The  Votes  for  One  Representative  being  Accordingly 
Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to  be  Three  Hundred 
and  Sixt}' ;  And  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it  appeared  there  was  no 
choice  made. 

Then  the  Inhabitants  proceeded  a  second  time  to  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  One  Representative ;  Which  being  Collected,  the  Num- 
ber of  Voters  were  found  to  be  Three  Hundred  and  Fiftj'  Eight : 
And  the  Votes  being  Sorted,  it  appear'd.  That  Mr.  John  Wheel- 
wright was  Chosen  by  the  Major  part  of  said  Electors ;  Viz.  One 
Hundred  and  Ninet}'  Votes. 

Which  Election  being  Declared  by  the  Select  Men, 

The  Moderator  Assum'd  his  Place,  and  the  Town  proceeded  to 
the  other  Business  before  them. 

Petitions  and  Motions.     Viz'. 

Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants,  directed  to  the  Select 
Men,  respecting  the  Charge  of  this  Town  in  Pay  of 
the  Representatives  ......         Read. 

Proposals  of  Nathanael  Wardal  Jun'".  for  Erecting  an 
Engine  for  Weighing  of  Hay Read. 

Petition  of  Samuel  Kneeland       .....  Read. 

Petition  of  Solomon  Kneeland     .....  Read. 

Select  Mens  Report  of  the  Sale  of  the  Three  Town- 
ships      .         , Read. 

Mr.  Jacob  Parker  made  a  Motion  for  Liberty  to  Dig 
some  Sand  at  Fox  hill,  for  the  Towns  service  in 
Building  the  Work  House. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  made  a  Motion  for  a  Consideration,  re- 
specting some  Counterfeit  Bills  which  were  taken  b\'  his  late  Father, 
for  Meal  in  the  Granarj-,  on  the  Town's  Account. 

CoP.  Edward  Hutchinson  One  of  the  Committee  to  project  a 
Method  for  providing  the  Town  with  Wood,  Inforni'd,  That  they 
were  not  prepared  to  Report  on  that  Affair. 

[375.]  A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  respecting  the 
Charge  of  this  Town,  in  the  Pa}^  of  the  Representatives  .  .  Read, 
and  after  some  Debate  tliereon  — ■ — 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  Draw  up  An  Address  to  the 
Great  and  General  Court,  for  Relief,  respecting,  the  extraordinary 
Charge  of  the  Town  of  Boston  (in  Comparison  with  the  Other 
Towns  of  the  Province)  in  the  Pay  of  the  Members  of  the  Honour- 
able House  of  Representatives. 

Voted  That  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five. 

Voted ,  That  Jolm  Read  Esquire 

Major  Samuel  Sewall 

Mr.  Hugh  Vans 

Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham  and 

Samuel  Watts  Esquire 

be  a  Committee  for  Ends  aforesaid.  Who  are  Desired  to  prepare  the 
same  and  lay  it  before  the  Town  for  their  Consideration,  at  the 
intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Whereas  the  Committee  appointed  the  15th.  of  March  last  past, 
to  View,  and  Report  their  Opinion  of  the  most  proper  and  conve- 
nient Place  for  Erecting  a  Workhouse,  in   their   Report  thereon 


176  City  Document  No.  66. 

made  to  the  Town,  and  Accepted Did  propose  the  Remov- 
ing the  Granary  from  the  Place  where  it  then  stood,  to  the  South 
Eastern  Corner  of  the  Burying  place,  and  reported  the  Opinion  of 
Able  Workmen  (with  whom  they  consulted)  as  to  the  Cost  of  Re- 
moving it,  and  of  Building  A  Cellar  under  the  same  As  b^^  the  said 
Report  on  Record  ma}^  Appear At  the  same  time  the  Hon- 
ourable Samuel  Welles  Esquire  Informed  the  Town  that  Mr.  Thomas 
Hubbard  was  willing  to  undertake  the  same  upon  the  Condition 

Mentioned  in  said  Report Who  being  present  at  that   time, 

also  signified  his  Acceptance  thereof  according  to  the  Terms  pro- 
posed   Yet  Notwithstanding,  there  was  no  Vote  then  passed 

Impowering  the  Select  Men  to  Execute  Instruments  for  Leasing 
the  said  Cellar  to  him,  As  the  Circumstances  of  the  Case  did 
require, 

Wherefore, 

[370.]  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  di- 
rected and  Impowered  to  Execute  a  Lease  of  the  said  Cellar  to 
Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard  for  the  Space  and  Term  of  Sixteen  Years 
According  to  former  Agreement  made  with  the  said  Hub- 
bard by  the  Gentlemen  the  Committee  aforesaid Any  former 

Votes  or  Orders  respecting  the  Power  of  the  Select  Men  in  Leasing 
out  the  Towns  Lands,  &c.  Notwithstanding. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jacob  Parker  at  the  Opening  of 
this  Meeting,  and  now  Seconded  by  many, 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Erecting  the  Workhouse  be  and 
hereby  are  permitted  to  carry  away  from  Fox  hill  Thirty  Loads  of 
Sand,  and  no  more,  to  be  Improved  in  Building  the  said  Work- 
house. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Fryday  next  the  23d. 
Currant,  at  Three  O'Clock,  After  Noon. 

Fryday,  Sept.  23.  The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to 
Adjournment. 

Mr.  Nathanael  Wardell's  Proposals  for  Erecting  An  Engine  for 
Weighing  of  Ha}^,  Read,  As  follows  Viz'. 

To  the  Gentlemen  the  Select  Men  of  Boston 

,  The  Representation  and  Proposal  of  Nathanael  Wardell  Jun"^. 

Humbly  Sheweth. 

That  the  Subscriber  has  Obtain'd  of  several  Gentlemen,  An  En- 
couraging Subscription  towards  Defraying  the  Charge  of  Erecting 
an  Engine  for  the  Weighing  of  Hay  ;  Agreeable  to  Your  Report  to 
the  Town  at  a  Public  Meeting  the  Fifth  of  April  last  past ;  And 
accordingly, 

Proposes  for  Consideration,  as  follows.  Viz'. 

That  he  is  ready  and  Willing  to  Undertake  the  Erecting  with  all 
possible  Speed,  within  and  near  the  Fortification,  [377.]  An 
Engine  for  the  Weighing  of  Hay,  brought  into  this  Town  to  Mar- 
ket, without  any  Charge  to  the  Town  ;  And  to  attend  constantly 
on  that  Service,  And  to  give  Such  Security'  As  shall  be  required, 
for  his  faithful  Performance  of  that  trust. 

Provided,  a  By-Law  may  be  made  and  confirmed,  Whereby  to 
Oblige  all  Persons  whatsoever  belonging  to  this  Town,  When  they 
shall  Buy  Hay  Brought  to  Market  in  Carts  or  other  Land  Carriages, 


BosTOx  Town  Kecoeds,  1737.  177 

to  Cause  the  same  to  be  Weigh'd  at  the  said  Engine,  And  the 
Buyer  to  Pa)-  therefor,  after  the  rate  of  Four  pence  p  Hundred 
weight,  And  that  the  Profits  and  Perquisites  of  the  said  Engine  be 
Granted  to  him  for  the  Term  of  Seven  Years  next  coming,  after 
the  same  shall  be  so  Erected  and  fitted  for  use. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  by, 
Gentlemen, 

Yo''.  most  Humble  Servant  — — 

Boston,  Sept.  14.  1737.   .  Nathaniel  Wardell  Jun^. 

The  foregoing  Proposals  beiag  Consider'd 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereb}'  are  Desired  to  take 
Mr.  Warden's  Proposals  under  Consideration,  That  they  prepare 
the  Draft  of  a  By-Law  relating  to  Weighing  of  Hay  brought  to 
Market  in  Carts,  or  other  Land  Carriages,  and  lay  the  same  before 
the  Town  at  their  next  General  Town-Meeting  for  their  Considera- 
tion, and  further  Acting  thereon. 

John  Read  Esquire  from  the  Committee  Appointed  the  Twenty 
first  Currant  to  Draw  up  an  address  to  the  Great  and  General 
Court,  for  Relief,  respecting  the  extraordinary  Charge  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  in  the  Pay  of  the  Members  of  the  Honourable  House  of 
Representatives,  Reported,  That  They  had  Drafted  An  Address  to 

the  General  Court  According  to  the  Direction  of  the  Town 

Which  He  Read  in  his  place,  and  then  Presented  it  to  the  Moder- 
ator Which  being  Read  again  with  Amendments 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted.     And  is  as  follows,  Viz*. 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  12'!^.  October,  1737. 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esquire  [378.]  Captain 
General  and  Governour  in  Chief,  the  Honourable  the  Council,  and 
House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court  Assembled. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston.  — 

Whereas  there  is  an  Order  made  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court  on  the  Nineteenth  of  August  last  for  just  and  good  reasons 
to  raise  the  Allowances  of  the  Members  of  the  Honourable  the 
Council  and  House  of  Representatives  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Public 
Treasury :  to  which  there  is  a  clause  added,  that  the  Bills  so  paid 
out  of  the  Treasury  Shall  be  drawn  in  again  with  the  other  Pro- 
vincial Debts  by  Taxes. 

Now  therefore  We  most  Humbly  Pray  this  last  Clause  may  be 
alter'd  So  as  plainly  to  oblige  every  Town  to  pay  their  respective 
Representatives  what  shall  become  due  to  them  by  that  Act. 

And  for  Reasons,  We  would  Humbly  Suggest, 

That  Otherwise  As  this  Town  Now  stands  charged  with  One 
Hundred  and  Eighty'  Pounds  of  every  Thousand  of  the  Tax  laid 
upon  One  Hundred  and  Forty  seven  Towns  of  this  Province,  and 
may  send  but  Four  Representatives  to  the  General  Court  where 
the  rest  of  the  Towns  may  send  One  and  the  most  of  them  Two, 
We  shall  be  Obliged  to  pay  not  only  Our  own  Representatives  but 
all  the  Representatives  of  two  or  three  Countys  besides.  Now 
AVhether  this  be  Equitable  or  not.  We  humbly  Submit  to  the 
Judgment  of  this  Honourable  Court. 

Moreover  the  Public  Laws  of  the  Province,  from  the  first  Session 


178  City  Document  No.  66. 

of  the  first  General  Court  in  the  Province,  by  the  Act  of  the 
Fourth  of  "William  and  Mary,  Chapter  Nineteenth,  have  Obliged 
the  Several  Towns,  to  pay  their  respective  Representatives  for  * 
their  Travel  and  Attendance  [379.]  At  the  General  Court:  And 
the  uninterrupted  Practice  hath  been  according  to  that  Law  ever 
since  to  this  day.  Now  We  are  humbly  of  Opinion,  that  there 
can  be  no  more  forcible  Reason  urged,  than  public  Laws,  and 
constant  Practice,  with  Universal  Consent,  from  the  beginning. 

And  Lastly,  this  present  General  Court,  Since  last  May,  in 
affirmance  of  the  same  Reason  and  Justice  as  this  Province  hath 
always  acknowleged  and  followed,  did  with  their  common  Consent, 
by  a  public  Law  Enact,  That  a  Tax  should  be  raised  upon  the 
several  Towns  for  the  Pa^'ment  of  what  their  respective  Represen- 
tatives should  receive  for  their  Travel  and  Attendance  upon  the 
General  Court  from  the  beginning  of  the  Session  of  this  Court  in 
May  last  unto  the  end  of  the  several  Sessions  thereof  till  Ma^' 
next. 

We  are  sensible  that  the  Charge  We  complain  of  is  but  small 
as  to  the  quantum,  but  Our  Case  is,  We  have  Two  Thousand  Nine 
Hundred  and  Eighty  two  People  Taxed  in  our  Books,  out  of  whose 
Rates  is  abated  this  Year,  Eight  Hundred  Fifty  Nine  Pounds, 
Nineteen  Shillings  and  Five  pence  most  of  it  whole  Rates  of  poor 
People  not  able  to  pay,  Two  Hundred  and  Twenty  People  more  in 
Our  Tax  books,  whom  Our  Assessors  thought  not  Rateable  for 
their  Poverty,  besides  many  Hundreds  more  for  the  same 
Reason  not  Entered  in  those  Books  at  all,  Our  Town-charges  to 
the  Poor  this  Year  amounts  to  about  Four  Thousand  Pounds, 
besides  all  the  Contributions  of  Our  Churches  and  Societys,  and 
Charity  of  particular  Persons,  Our  other  Town  Charges  above  Four 
Thousand  Pounds  more,  besides  the  Maintenance  of  Our  Ministers, 
Province  and  County  Tax.  By  this  means,  and  as  We  humbly 
Apprehend  for  the  extraordinary  portion  of  the  Province  charge 
laid  upon  Us  by  the  Great  and  General  Court  Our  Rates  run  so 
high  that  several  of  Our  considerable  Men  pay  from  One  to  Three 
Hundred  Pounds  Tax  in  a  Year,  many  that  have  but  a  House  to 
live  in  and  Health  to  follow  their  Callings  are  Rated  higher  than 
Country  Gentlemen  that  can  buy  out  Twenty  such.  And  this  Town 
that  is  of  so  great  importance  to  the  Landed  as  well  as  Trading 
Interest  of  the  province  is  in  very  pressing  difficulties  that  seem  to 
threaten  its  ruin.  [S80.]  So  that  if  we  should  not  Pray  for 
Relief  in  this  Case,  wherein  We  are  burthened  in  our  humble 
Opinion  contrary  to  plain  Reason,  Law,  and  perpetual  Practiced 
We  might  Justly  fear  our  charges  whom  time  to  time  be  increase  : 
'till  it  would  be  impossible  for  us  to  discharge  them. 

Wherefore  We  humbly  Pray  for  redress  in  the  Premisses,  And 
Your  Excellency's  and  Honour's  Most  Humble  Petitioners,  As  in 
Duty  Bound,  Shall  ever  pray. 

John  Read 
Hugh  Vans 
Nath^.  Cunningham. 
Samuel  Watts. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired   and 


Boston  Town  Eecokds,  1737.  179 

Directed  to  cause  the  said  Address  to  be  transcribed,  And  that  they 
sign  the  same,  and  Present  it  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  at 
their  next  Sitting  at  Salisbury  the  Twelfth  of  October  next. 

The  Select  Men  Presented  their  Report  of  the  Sale  of  the  Three 
Townships  by  public  Auction,  According  to  Order  of  the  Town  at 

a   Meeting   the   Third   of  May  last  past Read,    as   follows. 

Viz*. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  above,  "We  have  attended  the  Service,  and 
have  accordingl3-  Sold  the  Three  Townships,  As  follows.  Viz*. 

To  John  Read  Esquire,  the  Township  Number  One,  for  One 
Thousand  and  Twenty  Pounds,  Who  has  Paid  Three  Hundred  and 
Forty  Pounds,  and  given  his  Bonds  for  the  Payment  of  Three  Hun- 
dred and  Fortj'  Pounds  the  Thirtieth  of  December  next,  and  the 
remaining  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  and  Forty  Pounds  the  Thirtieth 
of  June  next  (without  Interest)  According  to  the  Conditions  of  the 
Sale. 

[381.]  To  Colonel  Joseph  Heath,  the  Township  Number  Two, 
for  One  Thousand  Three  Hundred  and  Twenty  Pounds,  Who  has 
Paid  Four  Hundred  and  Forty  Pounds,  and  given  his  Bonds  to  pa}' 
the  like  Sum  of  Four  Hundred  and  Forty  Pounds  On  the  Thirtieth 
of  December  next,  And  the  remaining  Sum  of  Four  Hu-ndred  and 
Forty  Pounds  on  the  Thirtieth  of  June  next  Ensuing,  without 
Interest. 

The  Townsliip  not  as  yet  laid  out,  to  the  Honourable  Colonel 
Jacob  Wendell,  for  the  Sum  of  Thirteen  Hundred  and  Twenty 
Pounds,  for  which,  the  Deed  is  not  as  yet  given,  but  will  be  in  a 
few  days. 

So  that  the  Money  already  Received  by  the  Select  Men  is  Seven 
Hundred  and  Eighty  Pounds,  which  waits  to  be  disposed  of  as  the 
Town  shall  direct. 

John  Jeffries 
JoN^.  Armitage 
David  Collson 

Boston  Sept.  21.  1737.     Alex^  Forsyth 
Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson,  Jun®. 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. And  upon  a  Motion 

made 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  Consider  what  may  be  proper 
for  the  Town  to  do  with  the  Money,  which  the  Select  Men  have 
already  received,  and  what  is  furtlier  to  be  Paid  for  the  said  Town- 
ships, at  the  Periods  mentioned  in  their  Report. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  a  Committee  for  that  Purpose, 
Who  are  hereby  Desired  to  Report  thereon,  at  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Solomon  Kneeland,  Praying  the  Town 
would  give  him  One  Year  further  for  Redeeming  his  Land  taken  in 
Execution  by  the  Town  Treasurer,  for  a  [383.]  Debt  due  to  the 
Town  from  his  Son  Samuel  Kneeland,  for  whom  he  became  bound  ; 
Hoping  to  be  Able  to  discharge  the  said  Debt,  with  Interest  for  the 
same  (which  he  is  willing  to  Allow  &  pay)  in  that  time,  or  sooner, 
if  the  Town  should  see  cause  to  indulge  him  herein. 


Select 
Men 


180  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be,  and  hereby  is  Impowered 
to  Release  to  the  said  Solomon  Kneeland  the  Land  taken  in  Exe- 
cution for  the  Debt  of  his  Son  Samuel  Kneeland  as  above ; 
Upon  Condition,  That  he  pay  the  pruicipal  Sum  due  to  the  Town, 
with  lawfal  Interest  and  Charges,  within  the  Space  of  One  Year 
next  ensuing. 

Upon  tlie  Petition  of  Samuel  Kneeland,  Praying  the  Town  would 
allow  him  some  farther  Time  (as  his  other  Creditors  are  willing  to 
do)  for  the  Payment  of  his  Debt  due  to  the  Town  Treasurer ; 
Offering  to  give  such  Security  for  the  said  payment  as  shall  be 
required In  answer  whereto. 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  reffered  to  the  Select  Men  ;  Who  are 
Desired,  and  hereby  Impowered  to  do  therein  As  they  shall  Judge 
most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  :  And  that  They  give  Directions 
to  the  Town  Treasurer  accordingly. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismist. 

At  the  Desire  of  the  G-entlemen  the  Committee  for  Erecting  a 
Work-House  in  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  by  Order  of  the  Select 
Men,  the  following  Instrument  of  Subscription  is  here  Recorded. 

Boston,  May  25.  1735. 
Whereas  the  Town  of  Boston  propose  to  Erect  a  Workhouse 
wherein  to  Employ  the  [383.]  Idle  and  indigent  belonging  to  the 
Town,  Which  We  apprehend  a  very  diaritable  Undertaking,  and 
like  to  conduce  much  to  the  Public  Interest,  and  good  Order 
thereof  (Such  Houses  having  been  found  very  Beneficial  in  other 
Countrys)  Which  House  with  the  necessary  Furniture,  and  some 
Stock  for  the  Poor  to  be  Employed  by,  will  probably  Cost  about 
Three  Thousand  Five  Hundred  Pounds  ;  Wherefore  to  Encourage 
this  Laudable  Enterprize,  We  whose  Names  are  hereunto  Sub- 
scribed, Promise  to  pay  the  several  Sums  which  We  have  annext  to 
Our  respective  Names  to  any  Person  or  Persons  appointed  by  said 
Town  to  receive  the  same,  if  the  Town  shall  proceed  in  this  Build- 
ing- 

John  Ruck,  Fifty  Pounds     .         .         .         .     ,,      .50,,       ,, 
Jacob  Wendell,  One  Hundred  Pounds  .         .     ,,     100,,        ,, 


Henry     Dering,    One    Hundred     Pounds  ) 
in  Boards,  at  Market  Price        .         .        j 

Jonathan  Jackson,  One  Hundred  Pounds}  ^^^ 

in  Nailes  at  Money  Price  .         .        )       " 

William   Tyler,  One  Hundred  Pounds  in  \      ^      ^^^ 
Nailes  at  Money  Price      .         .         .        J       "' 

James  Townsend,  Thirty  Pounds 

Jacob  Royal,        ..... 

Henry  Atkins 

John  Hunt,  One  Hundred  Pounds 

John  Hill,  Twenty  five  Pounds     . 

Thomas  Hubbard,  One  Hundred  Pounds 

Thomas  Hill,  Twenty  five  Pounds 

Benjamin  Hallowell  Jun^  Thirty  Pounds 

James  Bowdoin,  One  Hundred  Pounds. 


100 


.30 
.50 
.30 
100 
.25 
100 
.25 
.30 
100 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1737. 


181 


Green  and  Walker,  Eighty  Pounds 

John  Fayerweather,  Fifty  Pounds 

Thomas  Hancock,  One  Hundred   Pounds  ) 
in  Goods  at  Cash  price     .         .         .        j 

Thomas  Gushing  Jun"^.  Fift}^  Pounds    . 

William  Downe,  Fifty  Pounds 

Edward  Bromfield,  Fifty  Pounds  . 

Caleb  L3'man,  Thirty  Pounds 

Daniel  Henchman,  Twenty  five  Pounds 

Ebenezer  Storer ..... 

[284.]     William  Young,  cordwainer. 

Joseph  Calef       ..... 

Nathanael  Hayward     . 

Jonathan  Foster ..... 

William  Salter,  to  pay  in  Goods  . 

William  Coffin 

Benjamin  Clarke.         .... 

Joshua  Cheever  . 

John  Barret,  in  Goods,  Fifteen  Pounds. 

Richard  Checkley         .... 

Peter  Oliver         ..... 

John  Phillips,  to  pay  in  Goods     . 

John  and  Jonathan  Simpson,  to  be  paid  in 
Nailes  at  ready  Money  price,  or  Provis- 
ions        ...... 

Joseph  Sherburn,  to  be  paid  in  Goods  at  ) 
Money  price     .....        j 

Caleb  Lyman  Jun"^        .         . 

Samuel  Grant,  to  be  Paid  in  Goods  at  Cash  ) 
price,  Twenty  Pounds       .         .         .        | 

William  Owen,  Fifteen  Pounds,  in  Goods 

Samuel  Bridgham,  Ten  Pounds    . 

John  Gerrish       ...... 

John  Wheelwright,  in  Timber  at  Market  ) 
price.  Fifty   Pounds         .         .         .        | 

Joseph  Webb       ...... 

Gershom  Flagg  ...... 

Samuel  Sewall    ...... 

Edward  Marion,  Ten  Pounds  to  be  paid  in  ) 
Smiths  Ware    .....       j 

William  Warner,  Ten  Pounds 

Edward  Procter,  Goods        .         .         .         . 

Peter  Thomas      ...... 

Joseph  Procter,  Ten  Pounds  to   be   paid  ) 
in  Goods  .....       j 

Josiah  Langdon  ..... 

Henry  Pigeon      ..... 

Hopestill  Foster 

John  Jeffries        ..... 

Jonathan  Armitage      .... 

[285.]     David  Collson     . 

Alexander  Forsyth       .         ... 


.80 
.50 

100 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.30 

.25 

.30 

3 

2 

3 

1 

.10 

.10 

5 

.50 

.15 

.25 

.80 

.25 

.50 

.15 
5 

20 

15 

10 
30 

50 

3 
5 

30 

10 

10 
5 

O 

10 

15 

10 
6 
30 
50 
50 
15 


10  „ 


182 


City  Document  No.  Q6. 


Jonas  Clarke,  Thirty  Pounds 

„       30  ,,        „ 

Joshua  Blanchard 

n         20  ,,          ,, 

Andrew  Oliver    . 

„       50  „ 

Francis  Wells     .         .         .         , 

„       20  ,, 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun'.    . 

„       30  „ 

Benjamin  Colman 

,,       25  „ 

Joseph  Sewall     . 

,,       25  ,,        „ 

John  Webb 

„       25  ,,        „ 

Eliakim  Hutchinson    . 

„       30  „        „ 

Jonathan  Williams  Jun"^. 

„       15  „ 

Joseph  Hubbart  in  Iron  Work 

„       20  „ 

Edward  Hutchinson     . 

,,       30  „ 

Josiah  Willard    .         .         .         . 

,,       25  „ 

John  Welch 

,f       15  ,, 

John  and  Richard  Billings  . 

,,       20  „        ,, 

Robert  Watt 

,,       20  „ 

William  Maccarty 

n       15  ,,        „ 

Nathanael  Barber 

n         5  ,,        ,, 

Jacob  Hurcl 

,,         5  „        „ 

Jeremiah  Belknap 

•         5,            10    „             „ 

Peter  Kenwood   . 

n       25  „        „ 

John  Wendell 

„       30  „ 

Edmund  Qiiincy 

n       20  ,, 

John  Erving 

,,       50  „ 

Cord  Cordis         .         .         .         . 

5,        10  „         ,, 

Samuel  Welles,  Thirty  Pounds 

.     „       30  „ 

Abiel  Walley,  in  Goods 

5,       30  ,,        „ 

Oxenbridge  Thacher   . 

,,       25  „        „ 

Timothy  Prout    .          .         .         . 

„       30  „        „ 

Jonathan  Williams 

,,       15  „ 

John  Steel 

„       20  „        „ 

Andrew  Eliot      .         .         .         . 

„        5  „        „ 

Daniel  Loring     . 

„       10  „ 

Daniel  Pecker     .         .         .         . 

5,           5  „ 

WiUiam  Rand     . 

»       10  „ 

Gershom  Keyes  . 

n         10  ,,          „ 

Edward  Tyng 

„       15  „ 

Edward  Gray 

„       15  „        ,, 

[386.]     James  Davenport 

„       10  ,, 

Francis  Warden 

6  „ 

Thomas  Hawding         .         .          . 

5  „ 

Thomas  Foster,  Six  Pounds 

.     „         6  „ 

John  Draper,  Five  Pounds  . 

„         5  „        „ 

William  Cooper,  Twenty  Pounds 

„       20  „ 

Richard  Bill 

„       50  „        ,, 

John  Traill,  Thirty  Pounds 

„       30  „        „ 

John  Richardson 

„       90  „        „ 

John  Spooner 

.     ,,       30  „        „ 

Andrew  Lane 

„       10  „ 

John  Kniglit 

„       25  ,, 

Francis  Borland,  Fifty  Pounds    , 

„       50  ,,        ,, 

James  Pemberton,  Fifty  Pounds 

„       50  ,,        „ 

50  „ 

25  „ 

15  „ 

30  „ 

25  „ 

15  „ 

10  „ 

5„ 

15  ,, 

100,, 

20  „ 

Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1737.  183 

John  Gooch,  Fifty  Pounds  . 
Thomas  Greene,  Twenty  five  Pounds  . 
John  Smibert  ..... 
Francis  Gatcombe  .... 
John  Dolbeare  ..... 
John  Goldthwait,  in  Masons  work 
Thomas  Foxcroft  .... 
Eunice  Willard    ..... 

Peter  Thacher 

Peter  Faneuil,  One  Hundred  Pounds. 
Joshua  Gee         ..... 

[387.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  tlie  Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  and  warned  according  to 
Law,  Assembled  in  Publick  Town  Meeting,  at  the  Town  House, 
Upon  Monday  the  13th.  March,  1737. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Cooper  — 

The  Warrants  for  calling  the  Meeting Read 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  and  the 
Votes  being  Collected  and  sorted,  it  appeared.  That  Mr.  Thomas 
Cushing  Junior,  was  Chosen  by  a  Majority  of  Votes. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Sundry   Petitions    and  Reports   Read,    and 

Motions  made. 

Viz'.  Petitions  and  Proposals, 

Of  the  Inhabitants  of  Rumuey  Marsh. 

Of    Mr.    John  Lovell,    for  addition   to   his 

Salary. 
Of  Mr.  Henry  Howell  &c.  Masters  of  the 

Engines. 
Of  Mr.  William  Haislup,  about  Sweeping  of 

Chimnies. 
Of  Samuel  Kneeland,  a  Prisoner  for  Debt. 

Reports  of  the  Select  Men, 
Of  the  Visitation  of  tlie  Publick  Schools. 
Of  the  Sale  of  a  Township,  to  the  Hon.  Col. 

Wendell. 
Respecting  the  Drain  from  the  Tombs. 
Respecting  W^innisimet  Ferry." 

Motions  made, 
'By  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  as  follows,  Viz'. 
That  Whereas  there  is  on  file  in  the  Town 
Clerk's  Office  the  Report  of  a  Committee 
of  Thirty  One  Persons  chosen  and  ap- 
pointed the  27th.  of  Dec.  1708,  in  Which 
He  apprehends  there  are  several  things 
proposed,  that  may  serve  the  best  Interest 
of  this  Town  —  Therefore  that  the  Town 
Clerk  be  directed  to  collect  the  said  Report 
that  it  may  be  produced  and  Read  in  the 
present  Meeting. — And  also.  That  a 
Comnoittee  might  be  Chosen,  to  Considej-, 


184 


City  Document  No.  66. 


what    may    be   done     [388.]     For    the 
Relief  of  the  Town  in  its  present  difficult 
Circumstances. 
By  Mr.  Joshua  Dodge,  respecting  the  Street 
Dirt,  that  so  it  might  not  be  carried  away 
into  the  Country,  but  that  the  Town  may 
have  the  benefit  of  it. 
The  Town  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Officers   &c. 
Samuel  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
and  sworn  by  Samuel  Sewall  Esq"". 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Select  Men. 
The  Votes  for  Seven  Select  Men  being  accordingly  Collected,  it 
appear'd,  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Unanimously  Chosen  to 
that  Office  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Viz'.  The  Hon.  John  Jeffries,  Esq'.        ") 

Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage. 
Mr.  David  Collison. 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth.  )>  Select-Men. 

Capt.  Caleb  Lyman. 
Mr.  Jonas  Clarke. 
Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun"^. 
Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  presented  to  the  Gentle- 
men the  Select  Men,  for  their  great  Care  and  Pains  in  transacting 

the  prudential  Affairs  of  the  Town Particularly  in  the  Causes 

still  depending  in  the  Law,  between  the  Town  and  the  Heirs  of 

Mr  James  Everill Intreating  them   patiently  to  persevee   in 

that  matter. 

The  Hon.  Joseph  Wads  worth  Esq'',   was  Unanimously  Chosen 
Town  Treasurer,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  bring  in  the  Votes  for  A  County  Treasurer, 
this  Afternoon,  at  Five  O'Clock. 

[389.]     Voted,  That   the  Collectors  of  Taxes   for   the  year 
ensuing  be  chosen  distinct  from  the  Constables. 
Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Twelve  Overseers  of  the 

Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. Accordingly.     The  Votes  being 

Collected,  it  Appeared,  That  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen 
into  that  Office. 
Viz'. 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq^ 
John  Ruck  Esq"". 
Henry  Dering  Esq'. 
William  Tyler  Esq'. 
Samuel  Greenwood  Esq'. 

Capt.  Jeffry  Bedgood  .Overseers  of 

Capt.  John  Hill  •      the  Poor. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hubbard 
Capt.  Daniel  Henchman 
Capt.  Joshua  Cheever 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Capt.  William  Downe  J 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  till  the  Afternoon,  At 
Three  O'Clock. 


Boston  To^vn  Records,  1737. 


185 


Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Select  Men  having  Audited  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby's 
Account  of  the  Granarys  for  the  Year  past ;  Their  Report  thereon, 
as  Entred  in  Mr.  Willoughby's  Book  was  Read,  And  Accepted ; 
By  which  it  Appears,  That  the  Ballauce  in  the  Towns  favour,  now 
remaining  in  Mr.  Willoughby's  Hands,  in  Money  and  Grain,  is  Four- 
teen Hundred  Twent}'  Two  pounds.  Eight  Shillings  and  Six  pence. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be,  and  hereby  is 
Allowed  out  of  the  Granary  Stock,  to  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby, 
for  his  Care  of  the  Towns  Granarys  the  Year  past,  Ending  the 
Third  of  March,  Current. 

[390.]  Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be 
allow'd,  out  of  the  Granary  Stock,  to  Mr.  Francis  Willoughb}^,  for 
his  Salary  as  Overseer  of  the  Granarys  for  the  Year  ensuing,  to 
End  the  Third  day  of  March,  next. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  the  Office  of  Con- 
stables, for  the  ensuing  Year. 

Viz'. 


Mess".  Alexander  Chamberlain  "" 
Aaron  Boardman 
John  Smith  Jun^ 
Matthias  Cussens 
John  Barker 
Edward  Winter 
James  Griffin 
Richard  Mart3'n 
John  Avery 
John  Symmes 
James  Bradford 
Thomas  Tyler 


.       Paid 
Sworn. 
Paid  his  Fine  in  1732. 
Excus'd  for  this  year. 
Sworn 

j.  Constables      ^^.^™' 
'  Paid. 

Paid. 

Paid. 
Excusd  for  this  year. 

Pakl. 
Paid  his  fine  in  1735. 


Fence  Viewers 


Hogreves. 


•  -J 
A  List  of  Sundry  Persons  in  Nomination  for  several  Offices,  in 
the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  was  Pre- 
sented,  And  the  following  Persons  were  Chosen  into  the  several 

Offices  mentioned,  for  the  Year  ensuing.     Accordingly.     Viz'. 
Mr.  Samuel  FI03TI         ....         Constable.     Sworn. 
Mr.  John  Floyd        "I 
Mr.  Edward  Tuttle  j 

Mr.  John  Hasey Sealer  of  Leather. 

Mr   Samuel  Tuttle  Jun^  ) 
Mr.  John  Tuttle  j 

Mr.  Elisha  Tattle Ha  ward. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Assessors  for  the 
Year  Ensuing.  Accordingl}^  The  Votes  being  Collected,  It  appear'd 
the  following  [391.]  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Office, 
Viz'. 

Mess".  Daniel  Loring 
John  Staniford 
Richard  Buckley. 
Peter  Thomas 
Joshua  Blanchard 
Andrew  YA'iot 
William  Thomas 


Assessors. 


186 


City  Document  No.  6Q. 


According  to  Order,  as  Entred  in  the  Forenoon, 
The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Count}^  Treas- 
urer, Which  being  Collected  were  Sealed  up  by  Mr.  Edward  Winter 
Constable,  by  him  to  be  kept  and  return'd  unto  the  next  Quarter 
Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  According  to  Law. 
The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  the  Office  of  Constables, 
for  the  Year  Ensuing.     Viz*. 


Mes^ 


^ 


, 

•         •         • 

Paid. 

^ 

•         •         • 

Paid. 

Con- 

Paid his  Fine 

in  1734 

stables 

.      ■    . 

Paid. 
Paid. 
Paid. 

John  Osborne  Jun"^. 

Jacob  Wendell  Juu 

Simeon  Stoddard . 

Joseph  Green        .  i 

James  Boutineau 

Nathanael  Loring  Jun"^  J 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Henry  Howell  and  Others,  Masters  of  the 

Fire  Engines,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  respective  Com- 

panys  Praying  They  may  be  Excused  from  Serving  in  other  Town 

Offices  the  year  ensuing As  usual  Accordingly,  A   Question 

was  put,  Whether  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  should  be  Granted. 
Voted,  in  the  Affirmative. 

A  Report  of  the  Select-Men,  respecting  the  Township  Sold  to  the 
Hon.  Col.  Wendell  being  Presented,  was  Read,  and  is  as  follows, 
Viz*. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town-Meeting  Assembled,  the 
13.  March,  1737. 

[392.]  Agreeable  to  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  made  the 
Twenty  first  of  September  last,  relating  to  the  Sale  of  the  Three 

Townships We  have  this  Day  Executed  a  Deed  to  the  Hon. 

Jacob  Wendell  Esq'',  for  the  Township  not  as  yet  laid  out ;  And 
have  taken  Bonds  from  Him  for  Thirteen  Hundred  and  Twenty 
Pounds,  being  tlie  Sum  the  said  Township  was  Sold  for. 

John  Jeffries 

Jonathan  Armitage 
David  Collson 
Alexander  Forsyth 
Caleb  Lyman 
Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas    Hutchinson  JUN^ 
Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Eight  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  En- 
suing, Accordingly, 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  to  that  Office, 
Viz'. 


y  Select  Men. 


Clerks  of  the  Market 


Mess".  Jabez  Hunt     . 

Richard  Salter 

Thomas  Tjder 

Joseph  Gale    . 

Joseph  Sherburn 

Samuel  Henchman 

Thomas  Savage 

Edward  Brazier 
The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  to  the  Office  of 
Leather,  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 
Viz'. 


Sworn 

Excus'd. 

Paid 

Sworn 

Paid 

Paid. 
Sworn. 
Sealers  of 


Boston  Towk  Records,  1737.  187 


Sworn 
Sworn 

Sealers  of  Leather  .         ^^^^^ 

Sworn 


Mess".  Samuel  May 

Joseph  Starr 

William  Young 

James  Dawson 

John  Allin    . 

Robert  "Williams    J        ....         .         Sworn 

[293.]     The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Hogreves,  for  the 

year  ensuing.  Viz'. 

Mess'^^  Edward  Emerson^ 

John  Cornish  ^t 

c^     1       T>  r  Hogreves.  b 

Stephen  Rogers     }       °  Sworn. 

Joseph  Calef        J         .         .         .         .        Excus'd 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Tomorrow  Morning, 

At  Nine  O'Clock. 

Tuesday,  March,  14th. 
The  Town  being  Assembled,  According  to  Adjournment. 
The  Select  Men  Reported  Their  Examination  of  Mr.  Jonathan 
"Williams's  Account  of  the  Granary,  after  the  Death  of  his  Father, 
from  the  10th.  March,  1736,  to  the  22nd.  July,  1737.  And  also 
that  he  had  paid  the  Ballance  of  the  same,  being  Twelve  Hun- 
dred and  Seven  Pounds,  Six  shillings  and  Two  pence,  in  full 
discharge  thereof.     As  Entre'd  in  Mr.  Williams's  Book. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  on  Mr.  "Williams's  Account  of  the 
Granary,  be  Accepted. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  of  their  Visitation  of  the  Pablick 
Schools,  being  presented,  was  Read,  as  follows.  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  at  their  Annual 
Meeting  in  March  last  past.  Desiring  the  Select  Men  to  Visit  the 
several    Publick   Schools    in    the    Town,  Accompanied   by  such 

Gentlemen  as  they  should  think  proper,  and  to  Report  thereon, 

They  accordingly  Report,  That  on  the  28th.  of  June,  last,  the}' 
Attended  that  Service  —  Accompanied  by, 

The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire. 
The  Hon.  Richard  Bill  Esquire. 
John  Read  Esquire. 
[394.]    The  Rev.  Mr.  Nathanael  Williams. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Prince. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Webb. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Welsteed. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Joshua  Gee,  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Cashing,  Junior. 
And  found  the  said  Schools  under  a  good  Regulation. 
John  Jeffries.  ^ 

Jonathan  Armitage. 
David  Collson.  \ 

Boston,  Mar.  Alexander  Forsyth.  )■  Select  Men. 

9''',  1737.  Caleb  Lyman 

Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson  jun*" 
Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  and  hereby-  are  desired  to  Visit 


188  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

the  Publick  Schools  within  this  Town  the  Year  ensuing,  And  that 
they  Desire  such  Gentlemen  to  A.ccompany  them,  As  they  shall 
think  proper.  And  that  they  Report,  to  the  Town  the  Condition 
the  find  them  in. 

A  Report  of  the  Select  Men  relating  to  the  Drain  from  the 
Tombs  in  the  South  Burying  Place,  was  presented,  and  Read,  As 
follows,  Viz'. 

The  Select  Men  upon  Enquiry  into   the  Circumstances  of  the 

Affair  above  mentioned,  found  that  by  the  Removal  of  the  Granary 

according  to  the  Towns  Order,  the  Course  of  the  said  Drain  was 

Stopp'd  and   the  Tombs   thereby   fiU'd   with  Water,    And    great 

Complaint  made  thereof  by  the  Proprietors,  —  We  therfore  Judg'd 

it  absolutely  Necessary  to  Cause  a  New  Drain  to  be  made,  which 

goes  on  the  North  side  of  the  Granary,  And  which  We  Apprehend 

Answers  the  End  propos'd  to  the  Town — And  Fifty  feet  thereof 

being  carried  [295.]  On  by  the  Committee  for  the  Work  House, 

the  whole  Work  has  created  as  little  Charge  to  the  Town,  as  ma^'be. 

John  Jeffries.  ^ 

John  Armitage 

David  Coelson 

Mar.  6,  1737.  Alexander  Forsyth  ^Select Men. 

Caleb  Lyman 
Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun'' 
Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

A  Memorial  of  Mr.  William  Haislup,  Representing  the  Diffi- 
culties this  Town  is  at  present  under,  with  respect  to  the  Sweeping 
ofChimnies;  And  Offering  some  proposals  for  Undertaking  that 

Business,  for  a  Term  of  Years,  upon  Certain  Condition Read. 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Affair  be  referred  to  the 
Select  Men,  And  that  they  be  Desired  to  Treat  with  Mr.  Haislup, 
or  any  other   Person,  on   the  Subject  Matter  of  these  Proposals 

And  Provided  He,  or  any  Other  Person  or  Persons  shall 

Appear  to  Undertake  the  Business  of  Chimnej'-Sweeping,  that  then 
They  the  Select  Men  be,  and  herebj^  are  desired,  to  prepare  a  By- 
Law,  Or   Orders   Relating  thereto,  and  lay  the  same  before  the 
Town  at  their  next  General  Town-Meeting  —  For  Approbation. 
The  Select  Mens  Report  of  the  present  state  of  Wiilisimet  Ferry 

Read,  as  follows.  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  tliis   Town  as  above The  Select 

Men  have  given  Publick  Notice  of  Leasing  out  the  Ferry  between 
the  Town  and  Winnisimet,  for  a  Term  of  Years  ;  But  there  has 
been  no  Offers  made  as  jet,,  to  take  a  Lease  of  it,  Under  its 
present  Circumstances. 

[296.]  John  Jeffries  ") 

Jonathan  Armitage 
David  Collson  j 

Alexander  Forsyth  J- Select  Men. 

Caleb  Lyman 
Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun''. 
Boston  Mar.  ) 
13th.  1737.  ( 


Boston  Town  Records,  1737. 


189 


Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  Are  Desired  and 
Iinpowered  to  Lease  Out  Winnisimet  Ferrj'  for  a  Term  of  Years, 
Or  from  Year  to  Year,  in  the  best  Manner  the}'  can,  for  the  advan- 
tage of  the  Town. 

The  Petition  ot  Mr.  John  Lovell,  Master  of  the  South  Grammar 
School,  Pra3-ing  fur  an  Addition  to  his  Salary,  for  Reasons  Men- 
tioned   Read, 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  p  Annum  be  Added  to  the 
Salar}'  of  Mr.  John  Lovell  for  his  further  Encouragement  and 
Support  as  Master  of  the  Soutli  Grammar  Scliool,  in  Answer  to  his 
Petition,  To  Commence  from  the  next  Quarterly  Payment  Viz',  the 
8th.  of  April  next. 

A  Petition  of  Samuel  Kneeland,  a  Prisoner  in  His  Majesty's 
Goal,  for  a  Debt  due  to  the  Town Praying  the  Town  to  for- 
give him  the  said  Debt,  Or,  to  Allow  him  Tliree  j^ears  Time  to 

pay  it  in. Read. 

Voted,  That  this  Petition  be  refer'd  to  the  Select  Men  ;  Who  are 
hereby  Desired  and  Impowered  to  do  therein,  as  the}^  shall  judge 
most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town. 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  to  the  Office  of  Constables, 
for  the  Y'ear  ensuing.     Viz'. 

[291,^  Mess".  NathanaelVal  ^  .  .  .  Paid. 
Thomas  Newman  .  .  .  Paid. 
Francis  Beteilhe  .         .         .     Excus'd. 

John  Salmon  J' Constables  .     Paid. 

Albert  Dennie  .         .         .     Excus'd. 

Joseph  How  .         .         .     Excus'd. 

William  Bowdoin    J     .         .         .     Paid. 
The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Scavengers,  for  the  Year 

ensuing.  

Viz'. 

Mess".  John  Taylor 
David  Jeffries 
Benjamin  Emmons 
Ebenezer  Storer 
Jeremiah  Belknap 
Nathanael  Gardner 
Joshua  Dodge 

George  Skinner         y   Scavengers. 
John  Charnock 
Francis  Warden 
Thomas  Boucher 
George  Monk 
Jonathan  Loring 
John  Lambert 
John  Bennet 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market,  for 
the  year  ensuing. 
Viz'. 

Mess".  Walter  Goodridge    .     ")    .         .  Sworn. 

Henry  Gibbon.         .      V- Clerks  of  the  Market 
John  Smith  (Brewer)    )    .         .  Sworn. 


190  CiTr  Document  No.  66. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  It  was  Proposed  to  the  Town  Whether 

the}'  would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Tjthing-Men  ? It  pass'd 

in  the  Negative. 

Mr.  Joseph  Gronard  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Hogreves  in  the 

Room  of  Mr.  Calef  who  is  Excus'd. 

[398.]     The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  to  the  Office  of 

Fence-Viewers,  for  the  Year  ensuing.     Viz'. 

Mess".  Joseph  Russell,  .     Sworn 

John  Indicot        .     Sworn 

Hopestil  Foster    .     Sworn 

Caleb  Ray    .         .     Sworn    )■  Fence- Viewers. 

Benjamin  Russell      Sworn 

John  Pierce 

Thomas  Jones 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Surveyors  and  Measurers  of 

Boards,  Plank,  Timber,  Shingles  &c.     Viz'. 

Mess".  Edward  Moberly   ^  .         .         .         .     Sworn. 

Edward  Richards    |  ....     Sworn. 

WiUiam  Pain  !  ^7-.  j-  ou-     1      o      Sworn. 

-,,r  ,,,        u  1   >  Viewers  of  Shingles  &c.  Q 

Matthew  Barnard   }  '='  Sworn. 

Joseph  White  j  .... 

Joseph  Rix  j  .         .         .         .     Sworn. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Viewers  and  Cullers 

of  Staves Accordingly  the  following  Persons  were  Chosen 

to  that  Office  —  Viz'. 

Mess".  Robert  Breck  .      ^ 

John  H[elyer     Sworn  >  Cullers  of  Staves. 
Edward  Potter  ) 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  High  Ways,  for  the 
Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  be  Surveyor  of  Hemp,  for  the 
Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Richard-Carter  Cowel  be  Haward  or  Field- 
driver  the  Year  ensuing. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Rum- 
ney-Marsh,  in  the  Township  [399.]  Of  Boston,  Praying  to  be 
Set  Off  from  this  Town,  in  Order  to  their  being  Incorporated  into 

a  Separate  Township, Read. 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  Refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town- 
Meeting And  that  in  the  mean  Time,  A  Committee  of  Five 

Gentlemen  be  specially  Chosen  and  Appointed,  to  Consider  What 

may  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon And  Report  their 

Opinion  at  the  said  Meeting.     Accordingly. 

Voted  That  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Jun"^. 
Samuel  Adams  Esq''. 
Mr.  Andrew  Tyler 
Mr.  Robert  Rand 
Mr.  Jacob  Parker 
Be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 
Mess".  Joseph  Gerrish  ^ 

Isaac  W^inslow  Jp  ,,  Paid. 

John  Green  (Merch'.)       i^^onstaDies  p^.^_ 

John  Simpson  (Brazier)    j  ...     Paid. 

Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 


BosTOisr  Town  Eecords,  1737. 


191 


Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  O'Clock,  this 
Afternoon . 


Year 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

.     S  n-orn 
Paid  )■  Constables. 
Excus'd 
Sworn 
Sworn 

.     Paid 


Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 
The  following   Persons  were  Chosen   Constables  for  the 
ensuing. 

Viz'.  Mss"  John  Jenkins 
John  Flowers 
John  Palling 
John  Harris 
Nicholas  Cussens. 
John  Blackader     . 
Benjamin  Babbidge 
Thomas  Valentine 
Harrison  Gray 

[300.]  Whereas,  at  a  Public  Town  Meeting  the  11th.  March 
1733.  It  was  Voted,  "  That  a  Row  of  Posts  with  a  Rail  on  the  Top 
"  of  them  be  set  up  and  continued  thro'  the  Common  from  the 
"Burning  Place  to  CoP.  Fitch's  fence,  leaving  Openings  at  the 

"  several  Streets  and  Lanes." And  it  being  now  represented, 

and  complained  of.  That  the  Common  is  much  broken,  and  the 
herbage  spoiled,  by  means  of  Carts  &c.  passing  and  repassing  over 

it Wherefore,  In  Order  to  prevent  this  Inconvenience  and 

Damage,  for  tlie  future. 

Voted,  That  there  be  but  One  Entrance  or  Passage  for  Carts, 
Coaches  &c.  Out  of  Common  Street,  into  the  Common  oj  Training 
Field,  to  be  left  Open  near  the  Granary,  to  go  up  along  by  the 

Work  House  to  Beacon  Street And  that  the  other  Gaps  or 

Inlets  afore  mentioned  be  closed  up  with  Posts  aud  Rails,  as  the 
rest. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Collectors  of  Taxes 
within  this  Town,  Exclusive  of  the  Collector  for  Rumney  Marsh. 

Accordingly,  The  Votes  being  bro't  in  and  Sorted,  it  Appear'd, 
That  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes, 
for  the  year  ensuing.     Viz'. 

Capt.  Daniel  Pecker     ^ 
Mr.  Nathanael  Barber  V  Collectors. 
Mr.  Jacob  Sheafe  ) 

Voted  That  Mr.  Samuel  Floyd  be  the  Collector  of  Rates  and 
Taxes  within  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh  the  3'ear  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  Nine  pence  upon  the  Pound  he  and  hereb}^  is 
Allowed  to  the  Several  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  the  Town  of 

Boston  for  the  Year  ensuing They  Giving  Bond  with  Sufficient 

Sureties,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  said  Otfice,  to  the  Sat- 
isfaction of  the  Select  Men. 

[301.]  Upon  the  Motion  of  Mr.  Richard  Buckley  relating  to 
the  Slii)  at  the  lower  end  of  Wood  Lane, 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  of  Three  Gentlemen  to 
Consider  the  Circumstances  of  the  said  Slip  —  to  know  the  Mind 
of  the  Neighbourhood  relating  to  the  Filling  up  the  same.  And  to 
Report  their  Opinion  What  may  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  Do 
thereon,  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 


192  City  Docibient  No.  GQ. 

Voted,  That  The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq'. 

Mr.   Andrew  Tyler 

Capt.  Daniel  Henchman 

be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Mess"  Moses  Eayres         .  )  r^       ^  ui  Sworn. 

-f  Ai-     4.  ^Constables  ^  -i 

James  Mi  not  .  )  raid. 

Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Treasurer's  Accounts,  together  with  the 
Allowance  for  his  Service  in  that  Office  the  year  past,  And  the 
Choice  of  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Treasurers  Accounts  the 
Year  ensuing,  be  Referr'd  for  Consideration  at  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Raising  of  Money  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and 
Defraying  Other  Necessary  Charges,  the  year  ensuing  be  Referr'd 
to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

A  List  of  Persons  Qualified  to  serve  On  the  Petit  Jury  being 
presented  by  the  Select  Men,  Was  Read,  and  Approved. 

JMr.  John  Otis,  was  Chosen  Constable  for  the  ^-ear  ensuing. 

Upon  the  Motion  of  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  made  at  the  Opening  of 
this  Meeting 

Voted.  That  the  Town  Clerk  be,  and  hereby  is  directed  [303.] 
To  search  for  the  Report  referr'd  to  bj-  Mr.  Marion,  and  produce 
the  same  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  in  Order  to  its  being 
Read  in  the  Audience  of  the  Inhabitants. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  Presented  to  Mr. 
Thomas  Gushing  jun'.  the  Moderator,  for  his  great  Pains  in  Reg- 
ulating, and  Dispatching  the  Business  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston, 
duly  qualified,  and  lawfully  warned,  in  public  Town  Meeting 
Assembled,  at  the  Town  House,  Upon  Wednesdaj',  May,  10th, 
Anno  Domini,  1738. 

Prayer  was  made,  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley. 
Then, 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting  were  Read. 
The  Sheriff's  Precept,  Read  — 
Sundry  Laws  —  Read  — 
The  Select  Men  propos'd  to  the  Inhabitants,  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Person,  or  Persons  to  serve  for,  and  Represent  them 
in  a  Great  and  General  Court,  or  Assembly,  to  be  held  the  31st. 
of  May  current,  at  Boston  aforesaid. 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives 
The  ^otes  for  Four  Representatives  [303.]  Being  accordingly 
Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to  be         .         .     481 
The   Votes    being   vSorted,  It   Appear'd,  the    Four   Gentlemen 
following  were  duly  Elected  by  a  Majority  of  the  Votes,  Viz'. 

No.  of  Votes. 

Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Jun"" 468. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun' 359. 

John  Read  Esq-^ 289. 

Major  Samuel  Sewall         .         .         ,         ,         .         295. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1738.  193 

The  Choice  of  Representatives  being  Ended,  The  Select  Men, 

declared  the  same And  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice 

of  a  Moderator. 

The  Votes  for  a  Moderator  being  brought  in,  It  Appeared,  That 
Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Jun"".  was  Chosen  Unanimousl}'. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  and  Seconded 

That  the  Town  would  please  to  give  Instructions  to 

their  Representatives. 
Mr.  Nathanael  Wardel  Jun'".  made  a  Motion,  Viz'.  That  the 
Town  would  please  to  revive  their  Vote  or  Order,  respecting 
his   proposals  for  Undertaking  to  Erect  an  Engine  for  the 

"Weighing  of  Ha}*,  and  Attending  upon   that  Business 

As  Entred  the  23d.  of  Sept.  last  past. 

Several   Petitions   being    Presented Tlie  Reading  of  them 

was  defer'd  'till  Afternoon. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  O'Clock,  After- 
noon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment.  

[304.]     Several  Petitions  were  Read,  Viz'. 
Of  Mr.  John  Hooton. 
Of  Mr.  Samuel  Bass. 
Of  Mr.  Samuel  Hol3'oke. 
Of  Mr.  Jolm  Procter. 
Of  Capt.  Daniel  Pecker  and  Others  \ 
Collectors  for  the  Year,  1737      J 
Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun^  in   the  Name  and  Behalf  of  Mr. 

Peleg  WiswaL^  Master  of  the  North  Grammar  School That  the 

Town  would    please  to  allow  him   an  Usher  in  the    said   School 

At  least  for  some  part  of  the  Year,  when  the  School  is  most 

numerous. 

Several  Reports  were  Read,  Viz'. 

The  Select  Mens  Report  of  a  Bill  to  be  pass'd  into  a  Bj'-Law 
For  making  Effectual  Provision  for  the  Regular  and  Seasonable 
Sweeping  of  Chimnics. 

Report  of  a  Committee  On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
Rumney  Marsh. 

Report  of  a  Committee  respecting  the  Towns-Slip,  at  the  lower 
end  of  Wood-Lane. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  b}^  Mess''^  Daniel  Loring  and  Andrew 
Eliot,  Viz'.  That  the  Town  would  please  to   Excuse  them    from 

Serving  in  the   Office   of  Assessors  the  Year  ensuing being 

Chosen  to  that  Service  in  March  last, 

Voted  That  Mess".  Daniel  Loring  and  Andrew  Eliot  be,  and 
hereby  are  Excused  Accordingly. 
Mess".  Jacob  Parker 
William  Salter 
were  Chosen  Assessors,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[305.]     Mess".  Jonathan  Read  I  (.^,^^^^,^^^^  .        Sworn. 

William  More    j  .        Sworn. 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


194  City  Document  No.  GQ. 

Mess".  Harvey  Thomas.     Sworn  "^ 

Joseph  Savell  (  Viewers  &  Cullers 

Samuel  Green.         Sworn  (  of  Staves 

Samuel  Gooding  J 

were  Chosen  Viewers  and  Cullers  of  Staves. 

Voted,    That   Mr.  Richard   Salter   be,  and   hereby  is   Excused 

from  Serving  as  Clerk  of  the  Market,  the  3'ear  ensuing. 

Mess".  Ezekiel  Needham  Sworn  1 

Joseph  llalsey  Jun'.     Sworn   >  Clerks  of  Market. 

John  Compton  Sworn  ) 

were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market,  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Wallis,  was  Chosen  A  Sealer  of  Leather. 

Mess"  Dudson  Kilcup       .         .         .     Excus'd  )    „  ^, 

David  Mason  .         .         .     Excus'd  J         ^ 

were  Chosen  Ilogreves  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess".  John  Scollay  .         .         .       Sworn )    ^t 

T  All  Q  r  Hogreves 

James  Alexander  .         .       Sworn  )         ° 

were  Chosen  Hogreves  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Cushing  from  the  Committee  Appointed  the  13"^.  of  March 
last,  to  Consider  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  the  District 

of  Rumney  Marsh Praying  to  be  sett  Off  from  this  Town,  in 

Order  to  their  being  Incorporated  into   a  Separate  and  distinct 

Township Presented  their   Report Which  was  Read, 

And  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  Consider  of  the  foregoing  Petition, 

have  Attended  that   Service And  having  had    a  Conference 

with  Sundr}^  of  the  Principal  Petitioners,  have  heard  all  they  had  to 

Offer  in  Support  [306.]  Of  said  Petition And  after  mature 

Deliberation  had   thereon.  The    Committee    are  of   Opinion 

That  as  to  any  inconvenience  which  either  does  now,  or  may 
hereafter  Attend  the  Petitioners  with  respect  to  the  Support  of 
their  present  Minister,  Or  in  Settling  and  Supporting  any  others 
in  time  to  come.  It  may  full^-  be  redressed  by  their  being  made  a 
Precinct,  when  the}'  shall  Petition  for  that  purpose  and  it  be 
Judg'd  reasonable. 

As  to  any  difficulties  the  Petitioners  Apprehend  they  are  now 
under,  with  respect  to  the  School,  the  due  apportioning  the  Taxes, 
and  their  High  Ways  —  The  Committee  are  of  Opinion  — That  the 
Town  may  give  relief  (as  they  think  needful)  in  a  more  reasonable 
Manner  than  by  Voting  them  Off  a  distinct  Township. 

And  We  are  therefore,  on  the  whole.  Of  Opinion  that  this  Pe- 
tition be  dismissal. 

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted. 

P 

Thomas  Cushing  Jvth^. 

Samuel  Adams, 

Ma}',  8th,  1738.  Andrew  Tyler 

Robert   Rand, 

Jacob  Parker 

After  some  Debate  — 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted  —  And  That  the  Petition 

be  accordingly  Dismiss'd. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1738.  195 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  tlie  14  March,  1736,  to 
Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts,  for  the  3-ear  past,  As 
Entred  in  the  Treasurer's  Book,  Was  Read,  Accepted  and 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  discharged  Accordingly. 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Eight  Thousand  Sis  [307.]  Hundred 
Pounds,  to  be  Raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates,  within 
the  Town  of  Boston  ;  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  Defraying  other 
necessary  Charges,  Arising  within  and  for  said  Town,  the  3'ear 
ensuing. 

Upon   a    Motion   made    and    seconded,   respecting  the    Town 

Treasurers   Allowance The    following   Question    was    put. 

Viz'.  Whether  any  larger  Allowance  should  be  made  to  the  Town 
Treasurer,  than  what  has  been  formerly  made  him  ? 

Voted  in  the  AfBrmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Eight}^  Pounds  be, 
and  hereby  is  Allowed,  to  be  paid  to  the  Honourable  Joseph 
Wadsworth  Esquire,  Town  Treasurer,  for  his  Service  in  that 
Office  the  year  past. 

The  following   Gentlemen  were  Chosen  Auditors  of  the  Town 
Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  year  ensuing.  Viz*. 
The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire. 
The  Hon.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esquire. 
The  Hon.  Anthony  Stoddard  Esquire. 
Mr.  John  Arbuthnot 
Hugh  Hall  Esquire. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Hooton,  Praying  —  that  the 
Waste  Water  which  runs  from  Fishstreet  upon  Gallop's  Wharf,  so 
called,  ma}'  be  caused  to  run  into  the  Slip  at  the  lower  End  of 
Wood  Lane,  for  Reasons  in  said  Petition  mentioned ; 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to 
Consider  the  Subject  Matter  of  this  Petition,  and  Impowerecl  to  Act 
in  that  Affair,  according  to  their  Discretion. 

The  Motion  (which  was  made,  at  the  Opening  this  Meeting)  for 
giving  Instructions  to  the  Representatives  being  taken  under 
Consideration,  After  some  Debate  thereon, 

[308.]  Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  Draw  up  Instruc- 
tions accordingly.  Upon  the  following  Heads,  Viz'.  Concerning  the 
Trade  of  this  Province,  and  the  Paper  Cui;renC3' ;  The  Extraor- 
dinary Proportion  of  the  Public  Taxes,  the}'  apprehend  this  Town 
pays  ;  And  also  relating  to  the  Dividing  the  County  of  Suffolk. 
And  that  the  Committee  be  desired  to  lay  the  same  before  the 
Town  —  for  their  Consideration,  At  the  (intended)  Adjournment 
of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  Tliat  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham, 
Mr.  Hugh  Vans 
Mr.  Peter  Thomas 
Mr.  James  Allen, 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  next,  the 
17th.  Current,  At  Three  O'Clock  Afternoon. 


196  City  Document  No.  Q6. 


Wednesclay,  May,  17tb.  The  Town  being  Assembled, 

The  Select  Mens  Report  of  the  Draught  of  A  Bill  to  be  PassM 
into  a  By-Law,  for  making  Effectual  Provision  for  the  regular  and 

seasonable  Sweeping  of  Chimnies Read,  as  follows  Viz'. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  dul}'  Qualified,  and  Warned  as  the  Law 
directs,  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled,  the  Tenth  of  May, 
1738. 

For  the  Making  Effectual  Provision  for  the  regular  and  season- 
able Sweeping  the  Chimnies  of  this  Town 

[309.]     It  is  Voted  and  Ordered. 

That  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town,  for  the  Time  being,  be  hereby 
Directed  and  Impowered,  from  time  to  time,  to  Appoint  One  or 
more  Sutable  Persons  to  be  Sweepers  of  Chimnies  within  this 
Town,  AVho  shall  give  Security-,  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select 
Men,  for  their  good  Behaviour  in  said  Office,  And  Whose  Wages 
for  their  Work  and  service  shall  not  exceed  the  rates  hereafter 
mentioned. 

Viz*. 

For  Each  Chimny  of  Five  Stories  high.  Three  Shillings. 

Of  Four  Stories  high.  Two  Shillings  and  Six  pence. 

Of  Three  Stories  high,  Two  Shillings. 

All  other  Common  Chimnys,  Twent}'  pence. 

And  all  Kitchen  Chimnys  that  are  above  the  Tops  of  the 
House  they  belong  to,  in  proportion  to  the  heighth  of  the 
House,  at  the  Rates  above. 

And  If  any  Person  whomsoever  Who  is  not  so  Appointed,  as 
aforesaid.  Shall  presume,  either  b}^  himself  or  servant,  to  under- 
take the  Sweeping  of  an}-  Chimn}'  in  this  Town,  Except  such 
Chimny  or  Chimnies  as  are  under  his  or  their  own  Improvement, 
Shall  Forfeit  and  Pay  the  sum  of  Twenty  Shillings  for  every  such 
Offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered. 

That  ever}'  Person  or  Persons  so  appoiuted  bj*  the  Select  Men, 
to  be  Undertakers  of  Chimny-Sweeping,  Shall  be  Obliged  within 
Fort}'  eight  Hours  (After  Notice  given  them  in  writing)  either  by 
themselves,  or  some  other  Person  (to  be  Approved  by  the  Select 
Men)  duly  to  Attend  the  Sweeping  of  such  Chimn3%  On  Penalty 
of  Forfeiting  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Shillings,  for  every  such  neglect. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered. 

That  upon  Complaint  made  to  any  of  the  Select  Men,  either  by 
the  Chimny  Sweepers,  Or  by  any  Other  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town,  Against  any  Person  or  Persons  neglecting  to  have  their 
Chimnys  Swept,  being  foul,  that  in  everj-  such  case,  the  Select 
Men,  or  any  two  of  them,  are  hereby*  Impowered  to  Inspect  and 
View  the  said  Chimny  or  Chimnys  complained  against,  as  afore- 
said ;  And  if  the}'  judge  the  [310.]  Said  Chimnies,  or  any  of 
them  unsafe,  to  make  or  keep  Fire  therein,  by  reason  of  their  being 
foul,  and  want  of  Sweeping,  and  Signif}'  the  same  to  the  Person  or 
Persons  then  in  Possession  of  the  Tenement  to  which  such  Chimn}'' 
doth  belong.  That  then,  and  in  every  such  Case,  the  Occupier  of 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1738.  197 

eveiy  sncli  House  or  Tenement  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of 
Five  Shillings  for  e\evy  Day  in  which  Fire  shall  be  kept  in  such 
Chimn}',  until  the  same  shall  be  sufficiently  Swept. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered. 

That  if  any  Chimn}-  shall  take  Fire,  and  blaze  out  at  the  top, 
thro'  foulness  or  for  want  of  Sweeping,  the  Occupier  of  the  House 

shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  Twenty  Shillings Unless 

it  shall  happen  within  Thirt}'  Days  After  said  Chimn}'  shall  have 
been  swept ;  And  then,  And  in  such  Case,  the  Person  who  last 
swept  the  same,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  aforesaid  Fine  of  Twenty 
Shillings  ;  Pi-ovided,  the  said  Fire  shall  be  Occasioned  thro'  foul- 
ness, or  his  defect  in  Sweeping. 

This  Order  to  continue  and  be  in  Force,  for  the  Space  of  Three 
Years,  And  no  longer. 

The  foregoing  Order  having  been  Read  several  times 

Voted  That  the  same  be  Accepted  :  And  that  the  Select  Men  be 
Desired  to  present  it  to  3'^.  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace, 
next  to  be  holden  at  Boston  for  the  Count}-  of  Suffolk,  for  their 
Approbation. 

The  Petition  of  Capt.  Daniel  Pecker  and  Others  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  for  the  Year,  1737,  Praying  that  the  Assessors  may  be  al- 
lowed to  sot  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  September 
next,  for  Reasons  mentioned.     Read. 

Voted.  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 

[311.]  A  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Bass,  Praying  that  the 
Town  would  please  to  Impower  their  Select  Men,  to  make  Sale  of 
a  Peice  of  Land,  belonging  to  the  Town,  which  is  in  his  Occupa- 
tion, and  adjoins  to  his  Own  Land,  in  Water  Street,  And  to  Exe- 
cute a  good  Deed  in  the  Law  for  the  same,  to  him,  for  a  valuable 
Consideration Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereb}^  are  Desired  to  Con- 
sider the  Subject  Matter  of  this  Petition,  And  that  they  Report 
their  Opinion  thereon,  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Capt.  JSathanael  Cunningham,  from  tlie  Committee  Appointed 
the  10th.  instant,  to  Dravv  up  Instructions  for  the  Representatives, 

Presented  a  Draught  which  the}-  had  accordingly  Prepared  — 

And    laid    the   same    before    the    Town   for   their   Consideration. 
Which  are  as  follows.  Viz'. 

To  Messieurs  Thomas  Cushing  Jun''. 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun^.  John  Read,  and 
Samuel  Sewall,  Esquires. 
Gentlemen, 

We  the  Freeholders,  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  dul}'  qualified  and  regularl}'  Assembled,  Having  Chosen 
You  for  Our  Representatives,  to  Appear  for  Us  in  tlie  Great 
and  General  Court  of  this  Province,  for  the  year  ensuing; 

And  Wliereas,  This  Province  in  general,  as  well  as  this  Town  in 
particular,  lal)our  under  the  greatest  hardships  difficulties  and  dis- 
tresses upon  many  Accounts,  And  which  are  daily  growing  and 
increasing  upon  Us,  without  any  signal  prospect  of  relief ; 

And  Although  in  the  General  You  are  Intrusted  with  All  Our 
Poweis And  We  cannot  but  Hope,  that  You  will  consult  the 


198  City  Docuiment  No.  G6. 

General  Good  of  the  Province  as  well  as  the  Particular  Advantage 
of  this  Town 

[312.]  Yet,  Esteeming  it  Our  Duty  in  this  unhappy  Juncture 
of  Affairs,  to  Request  of  You,  to  Exert  All  Your  Powers  in  Con- 
junction with  the  other  Worthy  Members  of  the  Honourable  House 
of  Representatives,  to  Guard  against,  and  Defend  Us  from  All  En- 
croachments that  may  be  Attempted  against  Our  Natural  Rights, 

and  Charter  Privileges And  that  it  may  not  be  Objected  to 

You  b}-  any  Person  whatever,  that  You  do  not  Act  agreeable  to  the 
Mind  of  Your  Principals,  upon  several  importants  Heads, 

We  would  in  a  more  especial  manner  earnestly' Recommend  to 
You 

I.  Our  Trade,  Wliich  labours  under  Utmost  Discouragements 
by  the  extremity  of  low  Markets  abroad.  Our  Neighbouring  Gov- 
ernments, Especially  Rhode  Island,  who  are  daily  Rivalling  of  us, 
in  Our  Trade  and  Medium  or  Paper  Currency,  And  the  liberty  they 
have  of  Importing  the  Surplussage  of  all  their  Commodities,  Foreign 
and  Domestick  into  this  Province  for  Sale  at  such  Easy  rates.  And 
Our  Excessive  Taxes.  Add  to  them  Our  Impost  to  be  Paid  in 
Silver  and  Gold,  And  the  many  frauds  practiced  in  the  Quality, 
Weight,  and  Measure  of  almost  all  Commodities,  either  Consumed 
amongst  Us,  Or  bought  up  for  Foreign  Markets.  These  altogether 
are  such  Burthens  as  are  insupportable.  And  if  not  rectified,  will  in- 
danger  the  Trade  of  the  whole  Province  ;  For  it  is  evident  beyond 
Contradiction,  That  if  Rhode  Island  can  make  what  Paper  Bills 
they  please.  And  Our  Hands  are  tyed,  so  that  We  can  make  none 

And  yet  Our  Necessities  should  Oblige  Us  to  take  theirs, 

And  part  with  valuable  Commodities,  Na3%  even  Our  Lands  for 
them  —  If  we  continue  to  be  heavily  Taxed,  whilst  the^'  are  free 
from  Taxes,  What  Advantages  are  there  which  they  will  not  have  over 
this  Province?  The}'  may  Purchase  it  all  in  a  few  years,  if  they  go 
on,  and  increase  in  proportion  to  wlint  tliey  have  done  in  Seven  years 
past.  And  therefore.  In  Order  [313.]  To  increase  Our  Trade, 
We  Apprehend,  it  will  be  absolutely  Necessary  to  have  a  Sufficient 
IVIedium,  under  good  Regulations  and  reject  theirs.  And  to  lessen 
Our  Taxes,  especiall}^  Our  Impost.  And  a  further  Encouragement 
to  Our  Ti'ade  will  be,  to  Enact  that  a  Draw-back  be  allowed  upon 
all  Foreign  Goods  imported,  upon  which  there  is  a  Duty  paid, 
Upon  their  being  re-exported.  As  is  highly  reasonable,  And  the 
well  knovvn  Practice  of  Our  Mother  Country. 

II.  And  Whereas  We  Apprehend  Ourselves  grievoush'  Oppressed 
by  a  very  large  and  disproportionable  partof  the  Province  Tax  laid 
upon  Us  for  Several  Years  past,  compared  with  the  proportion  paid 
by  Other  Towns  within  this  Province,  and  however  the  proportion 

may  have  been  heretofore  thought  i-easonable Yet,  as    all 

things  are  liable  to  mutation,  so  the  Circumstances  of  this  Town  of 
late  years  are  exceedingly  Altered,  by  reason  Several  Maritime 
Towns  within  this  Province  are  continually  Rivalling  of  Us,  And 
have  actuall}^  Stripped  Us  of  several  Valuable  Branches  of  Trade, 
which  must  necessarily  render  Us  less  able  to  pay  Our  wonted  Tax, 
Whilst  they  are  more  able,  and  ought  to  pay  much  larger,  than 
they  have  heretofore  done.     And  Although  We  have  often  Com- 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1738.  199 

plained Yet  hitherto  have  had  little  or  no  redress,  And  as 

the  Scarcity  of  Bills  of  Credit,  and  the  Decay  of  Our  Trade  and 
lessening  Our  Navigation  increases  upon  Us,  So  Our  Taxes  ought 
to  be  reduced  in  proportion. 

And  therefore,  We  Earnestl}^  Desire  You  to  Scrutinize  into  the 
Circumstances,  Trade,  and  Taxes  of  the  Several  Towns  within  this 
Province,  And  so  Endeavour  that  Oar  proportion  of  the  Public 
Province  Tax  may  be  reduced  According  to  Our  Circumstances  At 
this  Day,  compared  with    Other  Towns. 

III.  Our  Bills  of  Public  Credit,  which  are  of  the  Utmost  Con- 
cern to  the  General  Interest  of  this  Province,  As  well  as  the  Tj'ud- 
ing  Towns  in  particular — And  as  the  distressing  Circumstances 
of  this  Province  [314,]  Are  increasing  upon  Us  in  proportion  to 
their  being  called  in  and  destroyed,  without  sutable  Provision 
being  made  for  somewhat  to  pass  as  a  Medium  in  lieu  thereof,  So 
the  Consequence  must  be  terrible,  if  not  fatal  to  this  Province. 
And  therefoi'e.  We  stongl}^  Injoin  You  not  to  consent  to  any  fur- 
ther Supply  of  the  Treasury  for  any  growing  Charge  of  the  Prov- 
ince Unless  the  Funds  for  discharging  the  same  be  put  on  sutable 
Years  after  Seventeen  Hundred  and  Forty  One.  And  as  the  Taxes 
are  Exceeding  high  already.  And  that  We  may  not  be  left  a  prey 
to  the  arbitrary  will  of  every  Officer,  who  may  Occasionally  have 
A  Demand  upon  Us  in  relation  to  his  Fees,  We  would  therefore 
Recommend  to  You  that  You  Use  Your  Utmost  Endeavour  that 
the  Fees  of  the  Officers  may  be  fixed  and  ascertained  to  prevent 
Oppression,  Uncertainty,  and  Disputes,  which  will  necessarily 
Arise,  Unless  some  good  law  be  made  to  prevent  the  same.  —  And 
that  no  greater  Fines  be  laid  upon  the  Militia,  unless  the  same  be 
appropriated  towards  defraying  the  Charge  and  Expence  of  such 
Town  to  which  they  belong,  According  to  the  Design  of  Acts 
alread}^  made  for  that  purpose. 

We  likewise  Injoin  You  to  Oppose  the  foreclosing  the  Delibera- 
tions of  future  Assemblies  between  this,  and  Seventeen  Hundred 
and  Forty  One,  relating  to  the  Bills  of  Public  Credit  of  the  Old 
Tenor ;  but  that  the}^  may  be  left  free  to  Act  when  the  Years  shall 
come,  According  as  they  shall  judge  most  Advisable  for  the  safety 
of  the  Province. 

And  inasmuch  as  past  Assemblies  have  interrupted  the  Opera- 
tion of  the  Province  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  and  have  not  suffered 
them  to  pass  according  to  the  true  intent  of  their  Emission,  but 
have  made  Bills  of  a  New  Tenor  to  Exchange  the  Old  Bills,  So  that 
the  very  Nature  of  them  are  intirely  alter'd,  which  will  inevitably 
Cause  the  utmost  perplexity  in  the  Affairs  of  the  Province 

[315.]  Therefore,  We  likewise  Injoin  You  to  Use  Your  ut- 
most Power  and  Influence  to  Obtain  An  Act  for  striking  off  so 
many  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  as  will  re-exchange  all  the  Bills  of 
the  New  Tenor  already  exchanged  for  the  Old,  That  thereby  the 
said  Old  Bills  may  0|)crate  according  to  their  Funds,  and  as  shall 
be  most  consistent  with  the  safot}' of  this  Province. 

And,  that  the  growing  Charge  of  this  Province  added  to  the 
Funds  already  laid  for  calling  in  all  Our  Paper  Currency  by  Seven- 
teen Hundred  and  Forty  One,  may  be  set  in  a  true  light to 


200 


City  Document  No.  66. 


shew  the  impractibility  if  not  the  impossibility  of  its  being  done, 
without  causing  the  Utmost  Confusion,  if  not  Destraction^of  this 
Province  : 

We  herewith  present  You  with  the  following  Account 

£       s         d 
1738.     Fund    for   Calling    in   this    present  | 

Year,  the  Sura  of    .         .         .      |    ^'^'^  '»        >» 
The   Representatives   Pay,   for   the  ) 

Current  Year  .         .         .         .      |      ^^^^  "        " 
i  Part  of  the  Other  Charge  of  the  )    ,  „„„„ 
Current  Year.  .         .         .      |    ^^^^^  " 


.61875  ,, 


1739. 


Fund  for  Calling  in  that  Year      .  38025  ,, 

The  Representatives  Pay  for  1738  4000  ,, 

i  Part  of  the  Province  Charge  on)  .nrvnrv 

the  year  1738        .         .         .      j  ^^^^^  " 
^  Part  of  the  Charge  of  the  Current 


1740. 


Year 


Fund  for  Calling  in  that  Year 
The  Representatives  Pay  for  1738  . 
^  Part  of   the  Province  Charge  the  ") 

Year  1738        .         .         .         .      ) 
J  Part  of  the  Province  Charge  the 

Year  1739        . 
^  the  Province  Charge  for  that  Cui 

rent  Year 


13333  ,, 


6.5338  „ 


46525  „ 
4000  „ 


10000  ,, 

I    13333  „ 

'"'■"  I    20000  „ 


.93858  „ 


[316.]     1741.     Fund  for  Calling  in      . 
The  Representatives  Pay,  for  1738 
J  Part  of  the  Province  Charge  the 

year  1738 
^  Part  of  Ditto,  1739  . 
^  the  Province  Charge  of  1740     . 
The  Whole  Charge  of  the  Province 

the  Current  Year 


£52525 
4000 

10000 

13333 

20000 

40000 


£139858 


So  that  according  to  the  projected  Scheme,  this  Province  must 
bring  into  the  Treasury  Every  Bill  of  this  Province  by  Seventeen 
Hundred  and  Forty  One,  Which  Amounts  to  the  Sum  of  Three  Hun- 
dred and  Sixty  Thousand,  Nine  Hundred  and  Forty  Nine,  Pounds 

Or  Otherwise  Three  Hundred  and  Sixty  Thousand,  Nine 

Hundred  and   Forty  Nine   Ounces  of  Silver,  Saving  what  small 
Matter  may  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  in  Hemp  and  Flax. 


Boston  Toa\t^  Records,  1738.  201 

Thus  stands  the  State  and  View  of  Onr  Affairs,  at  present. 

Wlierefore,  We  Injoin  You  to  Use  Your  Utmost  Powers,  Tliat 
the  Funds  be  laid  in  Paper  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  and  not  in  Bills 
of  the  New  Tenor  redeemable  in  Silver  and  Gold,  Which  cannot 
possibly  be  Obtained  by  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province. 

And  as  the  lessening  of  the  Excise  will  increase  the  Publick 
Taxes,  So,  We  Injoin  You  to  make  a  due  Inquiry  into  the  Method 
of  letting  the  same  out  to  Farm,  And  Whether  there  has  not  been 
indirect  methods  Used  therein  ;  And  that  the  Same  be  Rectified 
and  Regulated  according  to  the  True  Intent  and  Meaning  of  the 

Act Especiallv  in  relation  to  the  Excise  of  the  County  of 

Suffolk. 

[317.]  And,  Whereas  We  Apprehend  there  will  be  An 
Attempt  made  for  the  Division  of  this  County  —  We  would  Ear- 
nestly Desire  You  to  Oppose  the  same  ;  —  And  for  Reasons,  We 
Refer  You  to  the  Answer  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  relating  to  that 
Affair,  Exhibited  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  at  their  Session, 
the  19'\  Nov.  1735. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted 

By, 

Your  most  Humble  Servants. 

Nath^.  Cunningham. 
Hugh  Vans. 
Peter  Thomas. 
Ja®.  Allen. 

The  foregoing  Instructions  having  been  several  Times  distinctly 
Read,  Ann  Debated, 

Voted,  That  they  be  Accepted And  that  An  Attested  Cop}^ 

of  the  same  be,  by  the  Town  Clerk  deliver'd  to  Each  of  the  Gen- 
tlemen the  Representatives  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  As  the  In- 
structions of  the  said  Town. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  by  many. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen 
the  Committee  for  Instructions,  for  their  pains  taken  in  drafting 
the  same. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Procter,  Master  of  the  North  Writing 

School Praying  that   his  Salary  might  be  Advanced,   For 

Reasons  therein  mentioned 

Read And  the  Question  being  put.  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town 

will  at  this  time  make  any  Addition  to  the  Salary  of  Mr.  John 
Procter .'' 

Voted,  in  the  Affirmative. 

[318.]  Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  p  Annum  be 
Added  to  the  Salary  of  Mr.  John  Procter,  to  Commence  from  the 
last  Quarterly  payment,  ViZf  the  13th.  of  March  last  past. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke,  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street Praying  for  such  Addition  to  his  Sal- 
ary, As  the  Town  shall  judge  proper,  for  Reasons  mentioned 

Read, 

And  the  Question  being  put.  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  would 
make  any  Addition  to  IMr.  Ilolyoke's  Salary? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 


202  City  Document  No.  GQ. 

Voted,  Tliat  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  p  Annum  be  Added  to 
the  Salaiy  of  Mr.  Samuel  Holyoke,  to  Commence  from  the  last 
Quarterly  payment.  Viz',  the  25th.  of  March  last  past. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Hutchinson,  at  the  Opening  this  Meeting, 
in  the  Name  and  Behalf  of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall,  Master  of  the 
North  Grammar  School,  Praying  for  the  Allowance  of  An 
Usher  in  the   said   School,  at   least  for   some   part  of  the  year, 

when    the    School    is    most    numerous being    taken    into 

Consideration, 

Voted,  That  the  Affair  of  placing  An  Usher  in  the  North 
Grammar  School,  in  Answer  to  the  Motion  of  Mr.  Hutchinson, 
above  mentioned,  be  Refer'd  to  the  Select  Men  ;  who  are  hereby 
Desired  and  Impowered  to  Act  therein  as  they  shall  judge  most 
for  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  the  said  School. 

The   Committee  Appointed  the  14th  of  March   last.  Upon  the 

Motion  of  Mr.  Richard  Buckley,  to  Consider  the  Circumstances  of 

the  Towns  Slip,  at  the  lower  end  of  Wood  Lane,  &c.     Presented 

[319.]    Their  Report,  Which  was  Read,  And  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote,  and  Desire  of  the  Town  of 

Boston,  at  their  Annual  Meeting  the  13th  of  March, 

last  past 

We  the   Subscribers  have  Attended  the   Service  —  Desired   of 

Us Have  view'd  the  Towns  Slip,  or  Dock  at  the  lower  end  of 

Wood-lane Have  also  Discoursed  with  the  Neighbours  re- 
specting the  filling  up  the  same.  Who  we  find  do  approve  thereof ; 
And  therefore  Report  As  follows.  Viz'. 

That  We  Apprehend  it  ma}'  be  convenient  for  the  Town  to 
allow  the  Abutters  on  the  said  Slip  to  Wharf  across  the  same, 
about  Two  Hundred  and  Thirty  feet  from  Fish  street.  And  to  fill 
up  the  Slip — Provided,  They  lay  down  and  maintain  a  Sufficient 
Common  Shore,  to  the  End  of  the  said  Wharf,  in  Order  to  carry 
off  the  Water  (from  those  Cellars)  that  now  does  or  ma}'  run  into  said 
Slip And  further,  That  the  said  Abutters  maintain  a  conven- 
ient Passage  or  Gutter  for  conveying  the  Water  from  the  Street  to  the 
End  of  tlie  said  Wharf —  to  be  performed  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Select  Men. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted,  &c. 

By 

Edvtard  Hutchinson. 

Boston  May  8'^.  1738.  Andrew  Tyler 

Dan''.  Henchman 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

Mr.  Joseph  Ingraham  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Viewers  and  cul- 
lers of  Staves,  for  the  year  Ensuing. 

Upon  the  Motion  of  Mr.  Nathanael  Wardell  Jun"".  at  the  Open- 
ing this  Meeting,  Praying  the  Town  would  please  to  revive  their 
Vote,  or  Order  respecting  his  Proposals  for  Undertaking  to  Erect 
an  Engine  for  Weighing  of  Hay  &c.  [3^0.]  Entred  the"23^  Sept. 
last  past. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  Mr.  Wardell's  Motion  be 
refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  Mr.  Cushing, 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1738.  203 

the  Moderator,  for  his  great  Pains  in  Regulating,  and  giving  Dis- 
patch to  the  Business  of  this  Meeting. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  Warned  according  to  Law, 
in  Public  Town-Meeting  Assembled  at  the  Town-House,  on  Tues- 
day the  Twenty  first  of  November,  Anno  Domini,  1738. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cashing  Jan^  was  Chosen  Moderator. 
Petitions  and  Motions.  Viz'. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  Rumney  Marsh 

Read. 

The  Select  Men  made  a  Motion  for  Petitioning  the  General  Court, 
for  Liberty  to  bring  forward,  at  the  Supericur  Court  in  Boston,  An 
Action  of  Review,  against  the  Heirs  of  James  Evevill,  for  reversing 
a  Judgment  Obtain'd  in  Said  Court  against  the  Town,  for  Part  of  a 
Parcel  of  Land,  and  Shop  thereon,  now  in  the  Possession  of  John 
and  Richard  Billings. 

Mr.  Nathanael  Wardell  Jun^  made  a  Motion  for  reviving  a 
Vote  of  the  Town,  pass'd  the  23.  Sept.  1737.  upon  his  Proposals 
Exhibited,  relating  to  the  Weighing  of  Hay. 

[331.]  A  Petition  of  Sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Dis- 
trict of  Rumney-Marsh,  within  the  Township  of  Boston,  Presented 
to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  to  be  Set  off  and  Erected  A  dis- 
tinct and  Separate  Township,  with  the  Order  of  Court  thereon, 
Read. 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  To  Chuse  a  Committee  to  take  the  said  Petition  under 
Consideration,  to  Draw  up  an  Answer  to  the  same,  and  to  lay  it 
before  the  Town,  for  their  approbation,  in  Order  to  its  being  pre-^ 
sented  to  the  General  Court  at  their  next  Sitting. 
Voted,  That  the  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons. 
Voted,  That  Mess".  Hugh  Vans. 

Joseph  Marion 
.Tames  Allen 
Edward  Bromfield 
Nathanael  Cunningham 

Be  a  Committee  for  the  P^nds  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  be  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town, 
On  Monday  next  the  Twenty  Seventh  Instant,  at  Three  O'Clock 

ater   Noon to   which   Time   it   is   proposed    this   Meeting 

should  be  Adjourned,  to  receive  the  same. 

Upon  the  Motion  of  the  Select-Men,  for  Petitioning  the  General 
Court,  for  Liberty  to  bring  forward,  at  the  Superiour  Court  in 
Boston,  An  Action  of  Review,  against  the  Heirs  of  James  Everill, 
for  reversing  a  Judgment  Obtain'd  in  said  Court  against  the  Town, 
for  Part  of  a  Purcel  of  Land  and  Shop  thereon,  now  in  the  Pos- 
session of  John  and  Richard  Billings. 

Voted,  That  the  Select-Men  of  the  Town  for  the  Time  being  be 
directed  in  behalf  of  the  Town  ;  Humbly  to  Petition  the  Gen- 
eral Court  for   leave   to  bring  forward  at  the  Superiour  Cuuit  in 


204  City  Document  No.  G6. 

Boston,  An  Action  of  Review  against  the  Heirs  of  James  Everell, 
for  the  Reversing  a  Jiidgmenl  Obtain'd  at  the  said  Superiour  Court 
against  the  Town  for  part  of  a  Parcel  of  Land,  and  Shop  thereon, 
now  in  the  Possession  of  John  and  [323.]  Richard  Billings,  the 
Time  by  Law  for  bringing  forward  said  Action  being  elapsed,  not- 
withstanding. And  the  said  Select  Men  are  Irapowered  to 
pursue  the  said  Review  to  Effect. 

A  Motion  of  Mr.  Nathanael  "VYardell  Jun'.  made  at  the 
Public  Town  Meeting  the  lOtli.  of  May  last  past.  That  the  Town 
would  please  to  revive  their  Vote,  pass'd  the  23d  Sept.  1737.  re- 
specting his  Proposals  for  Erecting  an  Engine  for  Weighing  of  Hay, 
brought  to  Market  in  Carts  &c. being  Referr'd  to  the  Con- 
sideration of  the  Town  at  this  Meeting 

The  Town  accordingly  proceeded  to  Consider  the  same  and  after 
some  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  Select-Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  pre- 
pare the  Draft  of  a  By-Law  relating  to  Weighing  of  Hay  brought 
to  Market  in  Carts,  and  other  Land  Carriage,  and  lay  the  same 
before  the  Town,  at  the  Adjourdment  of  this  Meeting,  for  their 
Consideration. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  next  the 
Twenty  Seventh  of  November  Currant,  at  Three  O'Clock,  After 
Noon. 

Monday,  November,  27th.  1738. 


Tlie  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Select  Men  Presented  the  Draft  of  a  By-Law  for  Weighing 
of  Hay Read. 

Which  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

Whereas,  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  labour  under 
difficulties  and  hardships  in  respect  of  the  weight  of  Ha}-  brought 
to  Market,  by  reason    whereof  Disputes   often   arise  between   the 

Buyer   and    Seller And   it   being   propos'd.   As  a  Remedy 

therefor  to  Erect  [323,]    An  Engine   at  the  Entrance  into  the 
Town  convenient  for  Weighing  of  Hay 

It  is  therefore  ordered, 

That  from  and  after  the  first  Day  of  March  next  ensuing.  Pro- 
vided the  said  Engine  be  then  Erected,  All  Carts,  and  other  Car- 
riages of  Hay  as  the}'  come  into  Town,  shall  be  Weighed,  and  a 
Tally  with  the  Weight  of  the  Cart  and  Hay  be  then  fix'd  upon  it, 
and  that  the  Cart  or  Carriage  upon  its  return  be  Tared,  and  the 
Weight  thereof  mark'd  on  it. 

That  a  Suitable  Person  be  appointed  by  the  Town  for  such  Term 
of  Time  as  they  shall  think  convenient,  to  take  care  that  the  said 
Engine  be  kept  in  good  Repair,  and  to  see  the  Weight  of  all  Hay 
thus  brought  to  Market,  and  to  Tally  the  same,  and  mark  the  car- 
riages on  their  return  as  aforesaid.  And  that  the  said  Person  shall  ' 
be  under  Oath  to  do  Justice  between  Buyer  and  Seller,  and  shall 
attend  from  Sun-rising  to  Sun-setting,  and  shall  make  an  Entry  of 
all  the  Hay  he  weighs. 

That  there  be  allowed  to  the  said  Person  for  every  Load  of  Hay 
so  weigh'd,  Four  pence  for  each  Hundred  of  Hay  so  weigh'd,  to  be 


Boston  Town  Records,   1738.  205 

paid  by  the  Person  who  bu^'s  the  same  :  Or  in  case  of  his  absence 
at  the  Time  of  Weighing,  then  to  be  paid  by  the  Importer,  who 
shall  be  reimbursed  b^^  the  Buyer. 

That  after  the  said  first  Da}^  of  March,  and  the  Erecting  the  said 
Engine,  If  any  Person  Inhabitant  of  the  Town  of  Boston  aforesaid, 
shall  Buy  any  Hay  thus  brought  to  Market,  witliout  the  same  be 
first  weigli'd  as  above,  He  or  they  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  Sum  of 
Twenty  Shillings  for  every  load  or  parcel  so  bought. 

Mr.  Marion  made  a  motion,  that  Mr.  Nathanael  Wardell's  name 
might  be  mentioned  in  the  preamble  of  the  B\'-Law  for  Weighing 

of  Hay he  being  the  Person  that  proposes  to  Erect  the  Engine. 

Accordingly 

The  Question  being  put, 

Voted  in  the  Negative. 

[324.]     The  foregoing  Order  or  By-Law,  having  been  Read, 

three  several  times 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted,  And  that  the  Select  Men  be, 
and  hereby  are  directed  to  Present  it  to  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace  next  to  be  holden  at  Boston,  for  their  Appro- 
bation. 

Mr.  Hugh  Vans  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  21st.  instant, 
to  draw  up  an  Answer  to  the  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of 

Rumnej^-Marsh — Presented  the  same Which  was  Read 

and  is  as  follows. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  the  21st.  of  November 
instant,  The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up  an  Answer  to 
a  Petition  of  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Rumney  Marsh 
which  they  have  prefer'd  to  the  General  Court,  Praying  that 

they    may    be    set   off,  as    a    Separate   Township Have 

Ajttended  that    Service,  and  Accordingly   have  Drafted    and 
Signed,  an 
Answei',  which  they  now  Present  to  the  Town,  Viz*. 
Province  of  the        \ 
Massachusetts  Bay  J 

To   His    Excellency   Jonathan    Belcher    Esquire   Captain 
General    and    Governour    in    Chief,    the     Honourable    the 
Council,  and  Honourable    House  of  Representatives  of  said 
Province,   in   General  Court  assembled  at  Boston,  the  Thir- 
tieth of  November  1738. 
The  Answer  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  the 
Petition  of  a  small  number  [335.]  Of  the  Inhabitants    of  the 
District,  Number  Thirteen — commonl}'-    called    Rumney  Marsh, 

part  of  said  Town,  to   this   Honourable  Court Praying  that 

they  may  be  setoff  as  adistinct  Township,  for  a  Suggested  Reason 
Contained  in  said  Petition. 

The  Town  of  Boston,  Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  Some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  District  of  Rumney  Marsh 
did  on  the  Thirty  first  of  January,  One  Thousand  Seven  hundred 
and  Thirty  four.  Prefer  a  Petition,  and  on  the  thirteenth  of  March, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Thirty  Seven  prefer  one  other 
Petition  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  in  order  to  obtain  from  said  Town 
Several  Advantages,  and  also  to  be  set  off  as  a  distinct  Township. 


206  City  Document  No.   66. 

la  regard  to  Said  Petitions,  the  Town  appointed  two  Several 
Committees  to  hear  the  Petitioners,  Consider  of,  and  Report  what 
they  thought  adviseable    for   the   Town   to   do    thereon.     Which 

Service   tlie_y  accordingly   performed The    Copy    of    which 

Petitions  with  the  Reports  thereon,  We  humbly  beg  leave  to  lay 
before  this  Honourable  Court. 

And  We  may  Justly  Observe,  and  say, 

That  in  Answer  to  all  their  Petitions  and  Complaints  heretofore 
made,  where  there  has  been  the  least  colour,  the  Town  have 
readily  pointed  out  proper  Remedies,  and  stand  ready  to  afford 
them. 

And  the  Petitioners  having  been  Conscious  that  the  Town  are 
ready  to  do  so,  have  betalven  themselves  to  this  slender  Plea,  of 
Passing  Winnisimet  Ferry ;  Which  We  apprehend  they  would 
never  have  done,  were  there  not  some  Secret  Springs  of  their 
Actions,  which  we  cannot  Account  for,  notwithstanding  all  their 
dutiful  and  affectionate  Regard  to  their  Mother  Town,  so  fully 
express'd  in  theiv  present  Petition. 

But,  Inasmuch  as  they  think  it  most  for  their  Service  to  lay  so 
great  Stress  upon  That  Single,  tho'  [336.]  Small  inconvenience, 
We  think  it  incumbent  upon  us  to  Observe,  That  there  has  ever 
been  given  them,  so  little  interruption  in  that  matter,  as  that 
Neither  the}^  nor  their  predecessors  have  ever  heretofore  thought 
it  sufficient  cause  of  Complaint  to  the  Town,  nor  can  they  Say, 
that  One  year  in  Ten  (Communibus  Annis)  for  the  Time  past, 
they  have  been  prevented  in  giving  their  Attendance  at  Town- 
Meetings  :  Nor  can  it  be  reasonably  Supposed  that  for  the  future 
they  will  be  otherwise  interrupted  by  that  means,  which  they  make 
no  difficulty  of  in  daily  exposing  themselves  to,  in  the  common 
affairs  of  Life But  should  they,  Yet  their  coming  by  Penny- 
Ferry  will  be  attended  with  very  little  charge  and  trouble. 

We  would  now  humbly  beg  leave  to  lay  before  Your  Excellency 
and  Honours  the  unreasonableness  of  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition, 

I.     In  Respect  to  the  Inhabitants  of  that  District. 

It  ought  reasonably  to  be  Supposed,  that  When  any  Petition  is 
prefer'd  to  this  Honourable  Court  for  such  a  Separation  as  is 
desired  by  the  Petitioners,  that  it  is  the  Mind  of  the  Principal 
number  of  the  Inhabitants,  Or  to  remove  some  Grand  Inconvenience, 
Or  to  preserve  Peace  and  good  Order,  Or  lessen  the  Charge  with 
which  said    District   labours   under   their   present   Circumstances 

Neither   of  which  We   apprehend  can    by  any  means    be 

pleaded  in  the  present  Case. 

For.,  It's  very  Observable,  that  Not  One  Third  part  of  the  In- 
habitants of  that  District  have  Signed  their  Names  to  any  of  the 
Petitions,  And  consequently  that  they  cannot  by  any  means  be 

thought    as    consenting    thereto More     Especially,    John 

Yeamans  Esquire,  Joseph  Thompson  Esquire,  nor  their  Agents, 
nor  the  Reverend  Doctor  Sewall,  are  any  ways  privy  to  the  delib- 
erations had,  nor  [3'^ 7.]  Drafting  of,  nor  Presenting  said  Peti- 
tion to  this  Honourable  Court,  notwithstanding  they  are  the 
Proprietors  of  Noddles-Island,  Hog-Island,  and  very  valuable 
Farms    at  Rumney-Marsh.     And  further.  We   find  by   the  Rates 


Boston   Town  Records,  1738.  207 

and  Taxes,  that  One  Hundred  and  Twent}'  one  Persons  are  Rated 
and  Taxed  within  the  said  District,  and  but  Twenty  Eight  Persons 
Names  Subscribed  to  the  depending  Petition. 

And  as  to  any  grand  Inconvenience All  that  is  pretended 

is,  the  small  trouble  of  passing  a  Ferry  whicli  We  Humbly  conceive, 
would  not  have  carried  so  great  Weight  with  it  (tho'  all  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  that  District  had  Subscribed  to  the  Petition)  as  to  have  Influ- 
enced this  Honourable  Court  to  separate  such  a  valuable  Member 
from  the  Bod}'  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  Especially  considering  how 
small  a  Tract  of  Land,  and  how  unable  they  are  to  Support  the 
necessar}'  Charge  of  a  Separate  Township. 

And  as  to  the  promoting  of  Peace  and  good  Order It  can 

never  be  Supposed,  that  the  Granting  the  Prayer  of  such  a  Small 
Number  of  Petitioners,  whereby  a  much  larger,  and  more  valuable 
Number  must  be  necessarily  concluded,  can  ever  be  attended  with 
such  desireable  Effects. 

And  as  to  the  lessening  the  small  and  favourable  Charges  with 
which  the  said  District  has  been  Assessed  It  is  ver\'  reasonable  to 
Suppose,  that  their  Charge  will  (upon  such  a  Separation)  be  near 
doubled. 

II.     In  Regard  to  the  Town  of  Boston. 

We  humbly  Apprehend,  that  by  such  a  Separation  the  Town 
will  be  Strip'd  of  a  very  valuable  Revertion,  which  will  revert  to 
the  Gospel  Ministry*  in  the  Town  of  Boston  ;  under  certain  regu- 
laitons,  being  no  less  than  Three  or  more  ver}'  valuable  Farms  at 

Winnisimet being  part  of  the  Estate  of  Governour  Belling- 

ham  [338.]  Bequeathed  to  his  Wife,  after  his  Wives  Decease 
then  to  his  Son,  and  his  Daughter,  and  after  their  Decease  the 
whole  Estate  to  pass,  and  the  Annual  Income  to  be  Applied  to  the 
Encouragement  of  the  Gospel  Ministry,  &c.  As  b^-  an  Extract 
from  the  Record  in  the  Probate  Office  for  the  Count}'  of  Suffolk, 
may  more  fully  appear. 

Moreover,  It's  well  known  that  the  Town  of  Boston  labours 
under  ver}^  distressing  Circumstances  upon  maii}'^  accounts. 

The  visible  Declension  of  Trade,  and  the  growing  Advantages 
of  the  Husbandman,  especially  those,  who  by  the  nearness  of  their 
Lands  to  the  Town  of  Boston,  have  the  greatest  Opportunity  of 
making  Such  Singular  Advantages,  as  the  Members  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  under  their  present  Circumstances  are  ver}'  great  Stran- 
gers to,  especially  this  valuable  part  of  our  Body  (call'd  Rumney 
Marsh)  Who  by  the  Indulgence  of  this  Town  are  grown  Rich,  and 
well  Able  to  help  Us,  under  Our  present  difficulties.  For  Boston 
being  the  Receptacle  of  almost  all  the  Poor  that  come  into  this 
Province,  by  reason  that  most  Foreigners  fix  here,  and  cannot  be 
prevented.  Provided,  they  bring  with  them  the  value  of  Fifty 
Pounds,  or  are  able  bodied  Trades-men,  or  Indented  Servants,  or 
Sailors  under  most  Circumstances,  Create  so  great  a  Charge  to  this 
Town,  that,  instead  of  having  the  least  of  our  Members  Separated 
fi'ora  Us,  We  cannot  but  Hope  and  Desire,  that  tliis  Honourable 
Court  will  so  far  take  Our  Distressed  Circumstances  under  their 
most  wise  and  just  Consideration,  that  they  will  afford  Us  such 
Aids  and  Advantages  as  may  in  some  Measure  Extricate  Us  there- 
from 


208  City  Document  No.  66. 

And,  inasmuch  as  the  General  Court  [329.]  Of  this  Province, 
at  their  Session  the  Third  of  September  One  Thousand  Six  Hun- 
dred and  Thirty  Four,  Annexed  Winnisimet  and  Rumney  Marsh 

to  the  Town  of  Boston So,  We  cannot  but  Hope  and  Desire, 

that  this  Honourable  Court  will  not,  without  the  strongest  Reasons, 
and  most  pressing  Necessity,  Separate  that  valuable  Member  from 
Us. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted. 

Hugh  Vans. 
Jos.  Marion. 
Ja^.  Allen. 
Edw.  Bromfield 

Nov.  27th.  1738.  Nath^.  Cunningham. 

Upon  Reading  the  foregoing  Report  there  arose  some  debate 
upon  that  Paragraph  which  relates  to  Governour  Bellingham's 
Estate  ;  Whereupon, 

The  Question  was  put,  Viz'.  Whether  that  Paragraph  should 
stand  as  part  of  the  Answer  of  the  Town  of  Boston  to  the  said 
Petition  ? 

Voted  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  That  the  Committees  Report  of  an  Answer  to  the  Peti- 
tion of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  Rumney  Marsh,  now  Read,  be 
Accepted. 

Voted,  That  tlie  Said  Answer  be  fairly  transcribed,  and  that 
the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  directed  to  Sign  the  same,  and 
deliver  it  to  the  Representatives  of  Boston,  by  them  to  be  Presented 
to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  as  the  Towns  Answer  to  the  said 
Petition. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  Presented  to  the  Gentle- 
men the  Committee,  for  their  Pains  in  drafting  the  Answer  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  to  the  Rumney  Marsh  Petition. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

[330.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  otlier  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  quahfied,  and  warned  accord- 
ing to  Law,  in  Public  Town-Meeting  Assembled,  at  the  Town- 
House  on  Monday  the  12th.  March,  A.D.  1738. 

Prayer  being  made  b}^  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Welsted, 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read, 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator and 

the  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected,  it  Appear'd  that  Mr. 
Thomas  Cushing  Jun"".  was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

Sundry  Petitions,  Reports,  Proposals  &  Motions,  Viz'. 
A  Petition  of  Sundr}^  Inhabitants,  for  liberty  to  Erect  a  Brick 
Wall  with  Tombs,  on  the  Front   of  the  Old  Burying  Place,  in 
Treamount  Street.     Read. 
A  Petition  of  Nathanael  Wardell  Jun"^.  Praying  that  he  maj'  be 

Appointed  Weigher  of  Hay.     Read. 
A  Petition  of  Sundry   Inhabitants,  that  some  method    may  be 

projected  for  Destroying  Rats.     Read. 
A  Petition  of  Nathanael  Barber,  Collector.     Read. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1738.  209 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Iniiabitants,  for  Ringing  the  Bell  belonging 
to  the  West  Meeting  House,  at  the  usual   Hours    &   at   the 
Towns  Charge.     Read. 
A  Petition  of  the  Masters  of  the  Fire  Engines.     Read. 
A  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 

Schools. Read. 

A  Motion  was  made,  that  the  Town  would  Consider,  "Whether 
some  thing  may  not  be  done  to  enforce  the  due  Execution  of 
the  By-Law,  for  Preventing  Selling  Butchers  Meat  by  Steel- 
3'ards. 
A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  William  Salter,  for  Preventing  the 
Water  which  comes  out  of  the  Common,  from  running  down 
into  Winter  Street. 
[331. J     A   Motion  was   made   by   Mr.    William    Salter,    for 
Making  a  Gate,  for  the  more  convenient  carting  of  Powder 
from  the  Bull  Wharf  &c.  to  the  Powder  House  in  the  Common. 
A  Motion  was  made  by  the  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq'^.  for  seting  a 
row  of  Posts  and  Rails  from  the  Granary  up  to  Beacon  Street, 
to  prevent  Carts  &c.  from  Spoiling  the  Herbage  of  the  Com- 
mon. 
A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Benjamin  Russell,  for  the  filling  up 

of  Wheelers  Pond  so  call'd,  in  Pond  Street. 
A  Motion  was  made  b3'  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  that  the  Trustees 
for  the  Town  of  Boston's  proportion  of  the  Loan  of   Sixty 
Thousand  Pounds,  be  desired  to  take  especial  Care  to  prevent 
the  Towns  being  Assess'd,  on  Account  of  the  neglect  or  de- 
ficienc}"  of  any  of  the  Borrowers. 
A  Motion  was  made  by  Doctor  George  Steuart,  for  transporting 
of  Powder  to  and  from  the  Powder  House  by  Water,  and  not 
thro'  the  streets  of  the  Town. 
The  Inhabitants  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers, 
&c. 

Samuel  Gerrish  was  unanimousl}'  Chosen   Town   Clerk  for  the 

Year  ensuing ;  and  Sworn  b}'  the  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Select  Men. 

A  Motion  being  made  and  seconded,  for  deferring  the  Choice  of 

Select  Men  untill  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  The  Question 

was  accordingly  put And  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

The  Votes  for    Select  Men  being  Collected  and    sorted It 

appeared  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Ofl3ce,  for 
the  year  ensuing.  Viz*. 

The  Hon.  John  JeffriesEsq"       ^ 
Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage. 
[333.]  Mr.  David  Collson. 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth.  }•  Select  Men. 

Caleb  Lyman  J^sq'". 
Mr.  Jonas  Clarke. 
Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun''.  ^ 
Tlie  Hon.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq^   was   Unanimously    Chosen 
Town  Treasurer  for  the  Year  ensuing,  .and  Sworn  by  the  Hon. 
Edward  Hutchinson  Esq"". 
Upon  a  Motion  made 


210 


City  Document  No.   66. 


Voted,  To  proceed  to  bring  in  Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer,  this 
Afternoon,  at  Five  O'Clociv. 

Voted,  To  Chuse  Twelve  Constables  for  the  Year  Ensuing :  And 
to  Chuse  Collectors  of  Taxes  distinct  from  them. 

The  Votes  for  Twelve  Constables  being  accordingly  Collected 
and  Sorted,  It  appeared  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to 
that  Office  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

viz^ 

Mess^' 


>  Constables 


George  Rogers 

Payl 

David  Jeffries 

Pay 

Joseph  Lee 

Paid  1736. 

Samuel  Allyn 

Excus'd 

John  Clear  . 

Sworn 

Jonathan  Lowder 

Excus'd 

Elisha  Hutchinson 

Pav 

Samuel  Gibbon 

.      Paid  1723. 

Jonathan  Cushing 

Ebenezer  Simpson 

Sworn 

Nathanael  Bethune        .                  Pay 

James  Adams 

.          ..                 Payj 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  three  of  the  Clock 
this  afternoon. 


Afternoon,  the  Town  being  again  Assembled 

[333.]  A  Petition  of  Mr.  Nathanael  Wardell  Jun"^  Praying 
that  he  may  be  appointed  and  Impowered  b}^  the  Town  to  be  the 
Weigher  of  Hay  bro't  to  Market ;  Or  that  the  Town  would  spec- 
ially impower  the  Select  Men  to  transact  the  Agreement  with  him 

about  the  Premisses,  for  Reasons  Mentioned Read,  And  after 

some  Debate  thereon 

Voted  That  Mr.  Nathanael  "Wardell  Jun^  be,  and  hereby  is 
Appointed  and  Impowered  (at  his  own  cost  and  charge)  to  Erect 
An  Engine  for  Weighing  of  Hay  brought  to  Market  in  Carts  and 
other  Carriages,  and  to  take  the  Care  of  it,  to  Do  the  Duty  of  a 
Weigher  of  Hay,  and  to  demand  and  receive  the  pay  or  wages,  by 
Law  allow'd  for  the  same  ;  for  and  during  the  Space  and  Term  of 

Seven  Years  to  comence  from  the  Erecting  the  said  Engine 

He  the  said  Wardell  behaving  well  in  the  said  office,  to  the  Satis- 
faction of  the  Select  Men  for  the  Time  being,  And  also  Agreeing 
with  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town,  upon  such  Conditions,  as  in  the 
By-Law  for  Weighing  of  Hay  is  already  made  and  provided,  and 
Such  other  terms  and  conditions,  as  the  said  Select  Men  shall  "think 
needful  and  convenient  for  the  Service  of  the  Town,  the  said 
Wardell  also  Erecting  the  said  Engine  in  such  Place,  and  within 
such  Time  as  shall  be  approved  of  by^  them. 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  th.e  Choice  of  Twelve  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

for  the  year  ensuing And  the  Votes  being  Collected,  it  ap- 

pear'd  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen.  Viz*. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1738. 


211 


>  Overseers  of  Poor, 


The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq^  ^ 
John  Ruck  Esq''. 
Henrj^  Bering  Esq"^. 
William  Tyler  Esq^ 
Samuel  Greenwood  Esq"" 
Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood 
Major  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq"^. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esq"". 
Joshua  Cheever  Esq''. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Capt.  William  Downe 

[334.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  by  John  Ruck  Esq^  That 
Where  as  he  had,  for  Twenty  Years  past,  Serv'd  the  Town  as  an 
Overseer  of  the  Poor,  and  being  advanced  in  Years,  He  Praj^s  they 
would  now  Excuse  him  from  Serving  longer  in  that  Office.  Which 
Motion  being  Consider'd, 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  John  Ruck 
Esq'',  for  his  good  service  as  one  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  for 
so  long  time  ;  And  that  He  be  Excused  from  any  further  Service 
in  that  Office  accordingiv. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Hunt  be  One  of  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  in  the  Room  of  John  Ruck  Esq''. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  Chuse  Seven  Assessors  for  the  Year 
ensuing.     Accordingly,  the    Votes  being  Collected,  it  Appeared, 

the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Office. 

Viz'. 

Mess''^  John  Staniford        "| 
Richard  Buckley 
Peter  Thomas 

Joshua  Blanchard    )■  Assessors. 
William  Thomas 
Jacob  Parker 
William  Salter         j 

According  to  the  Order  in  the  Forenoon,  the  Town  proceeded  to 
bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  —  Which  being  Col- 
lected, were,  according  to  Law,  Sealed  up  by  Constable  John 
Clear,  by  him  to  be  kept,  and  return'd  unto  the  next  Quarter 
Sessions,  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  en- 
suing. 

Viz'.  Mess".  Henry  Lloyd  .      ^ 

Caleb  Richardson   . 
[335.]  Benjamin  Dolbeare 

Peter  Cade 
William  Tyler 
George  Holmes 
Cord  Cordis   . 
James  Allen,  Tayler 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting   be   Adjourn'd 


>■  Constables 


Nineteenth  Current,  at  Nine  O'Clock,  in  the  Forenoon. 


Pay 
Pay 
Pay 

Excus'd 
Pay 
Pay 
Sworn 
Pay 
to  Monday  next,  the 


212 


City  Document  No.   6G. 


Monday,  March,  19tb.   1738. 
The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 
Mess'■^  Arthur  Savage.  .      ^ 

Hogreves. 


Sworn 
Pay 
Sworn 
Sworn. 


}- Fence  Viewers. 


>  Surveyors  of  Shingles  &c, 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 
for  the 


Theophilus  Lillie 

Benjamin  Neal. 

John  Marshall  Cooper 

were  Chosen  Hogreves  for  the  3-ear  ensuing 

Mess".  Joseph  Russell . 

John  Indicott    . 

Hopestill  Foster 

Thomas  Jones  . 

Joshua  Thornton 

Caleb  Ray 

Benjamin  Russell 

were  Chosen  Fence-Viewers  for  the  j^ear  ensuing. 

Mess".  Edward  Moberly 

Edward  Richards 

William  Pain     . 

Joseph  White     . 

Matthew  Barnard 

Joseph  Ricks 

were  Chosen  Survej'ors  of  Boards,  Timber,  Shingles  &c 

Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  was  Chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year 

ensuing. 

[336.]     Mess".  John  Helyer      .     Sworn  ^ 

Samuel  Green  .     Sworn  | 

Harvey  Thomas     Sworn  }- Cullers  of  Staves. 

Joseph  Ingraham  Sworn  | 

John  Hobbs      .     Sworn  J 

were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  the  High  Wa3's, 

for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Robert  Williams     .     Sworn "") 

Nathanael  Hodgdon  Sworn  | 

Samuel  Mav  .         .     Sworn  !  c     i         ^  t     ^u 
■trr-iT       T\  "   •     i.         o  ^  Sealers  of  Leather. 

William  Dorrington     Sworn  [ 

John  Allen     .  .     Sworn  | 

Josiah  Carter  .     Sworn  j 

were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.   Richard-Carter  Cowell,  was  Chosen  Haward  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Visitation  of  the  Public 
Schools,  being  Presented,  was  Read,  as  follows.     Viz'. 

To  the  Inhabitaiits  of  Boston,  in  Town  Meeting  assembled, 
Mar.  12.   1738. 
Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  To\vn  of  Boston  at  their  annual  Meet- 
ing the  13th.  of  March,  1737.     Desiring  Us  the  Select  Men  to 

Visit  the  several  Public  Schools  in  the  Town,  &c. 

We  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  on  the  26th.  of  June  last 
past,  Accompanied  by  the  following  Gentlemen,  Viz'. 
The  Hon.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq'^. 
The  Hon.  Adam  Winthrop  Esq''. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1738.  213 

The  Hon.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq'^. 
The  Hon.  Anthon_y  Stoddard  Esq''. 
[337.]  The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq'. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Hooper 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather. 
And  now  Report,  as  follows. 

That  the  Number  of  Scholars  instructed  in  the  Public  Schools  is 
as  follows,  Viz*. 

In  the  South  Grammar  School,  about  One  Hundred  and  Twenty. 
In  the  North  Grammar  School,  about  Sixty. 
In  the  North  Writing  School,  about  Two  Hundi-ed  &  Eight}^ 
In  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  about  Seventy  three. 

In  the  South  Writing  School,  about  Sixt}-  two. 

That  We  heard  the  Performances  of  the  Lattin  Scholars  at  each 
Grammar  School,  And  inspected  the  Performances  of  the  Scholars 
in  the  other  Schools,  both  in  Writing  and  Arithmetick,  And  heard 

the  younger  Scholars  read And  that  in  general  they  perform'd 

to  the  great  Satisfaction  of  the  Visitors And  We  have  grounds 

to  hope  that  the  Masters  in  the  said  several  Schools  do  faithfully 
Discharge  the  Trust  reposed  in  them. 

And  We  look  upon  it  as  a  point  of  Justice  due  to  the  Master  of 
the  South  Writing  School,  to  Report,  that  the  Writing  both  of  the 

Master  and  Scholars  has  been  of  late  much  improved. 

John  Jeffries. 
JoN^.  Armitage. 
David  Collson. 

Alex-^.  Forsyth.  )■  Select  Men. 

Caleb  Lyman. 
Jonas  Clarke. 
Tho°.  Hutchinson  Jun.', 
Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  of  the  Visitation  of 

the  Schools,  now  Read,  be  Accepted 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  Visit 
the  Public  Schools  within  the  Town,  the  3'ear  ensuing.  Desiring 
such  Gentlemen  to  accompau}^  them  therein,  as  they  shall  think 
proper.  And  that  they  Report  thereon. 

[338.]     Upon  a  Motion  made  by  the  Select  Men 

The  Moderator  proposed  to  the  Town,  that  they  would  proceed 
to  the  Choice  of  Ty thing  Men. 

A  Petition  of  Sundr}'  Inhabitants,  Praying  that  the  Bell  belong- 
ing to  the  West  Meeting  House  in  Lj-nde  Street,  may  be  rung  at  the 
Hours  of  Nine,  Five  and  One,  for  the  Accomodation  of  the  Inhab- 
itants of  that  part  of  the  Town,  and  that  the  Charge  thereof  may 

be  born  by  the  Town  as  Usual. Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted,  and  that  the 
Customary  Allowance  be  made  for  the  said  Service,  to  be  paid  out 
of  the  Town  Treasury. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Bartholomew  Sutton  and  Others  Masters  of 
the  Fire  Engines,  in   behalf  of  themselves  and  their   respective 

Companies Praying  they  may  be  exempted  from   serving  in 

other  Town  OflSces  the  3'ear  ensuing,  for  Reasons  mentioned. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted. 


214  City  Document  No.   QH. 

A  List  of  Persons  Qualified  to  serve  on  the  Petit  Jury,  lieing 
presented  by  the  Select  Men,  for  the  Towns  Approbation,  as  the 
Law  directs 

The  said  List  was  Read,  and  Approved. 

Upon  a  Motion,  and  Representation  that  'tis  not  for  the  Interest 
of  the  Town,  to  appoint  an}^  particular  Person  to  attend  at  the 
North  Granary  or  Meal-House  as  usual,  for  Reasons  men- 
tioned.— 

Voted,  That  there  be  no  Person  specially  Appointed  to  give 
Attendance  at  the  North  Granary  or  Meal-House  until  further 
Order;  But,  that  the  Committee  for  Purchasing  of  Grain,  and 
making  Regulations  for  the  Selling  and  Disposing  the  same,  be  and 
hereby  are  Desired  ;  from  time  to  time,  as  Occasion  shall  require 
[339.]  To  Supply  the  said  Granary  with  such  Quantities  of  Grain 
and  Meal,  as  they  shall  think  fit,  and  procure  some  Person,  with  as 
little  Charge  to  the  Town  as  may  be,  to  sell  it  out  to  the  Inhabi- 
tants. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  for  laying  out 
tlie  Money  appropriated  for  Purchasing  Grain  ;  And  that  the  said 
Committee  be  Impowered  to  give  all  needful  directions  to  the 
Overseer  of  the  Granary,  respecting  the  Quantitys  of  Grain  to  be 
sold,  and  setting  tlie  price  thereof,  from  time  to  time. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain  &c.  consist  of 
Three  Persons And  that  the  Choice  be  made  by  written  Votes. 

The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected,  It  appeared,  that  the 
following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  afore- 
said.    Viz'. 

Henry  Dering  Esq^  \ 

Mr.  Peter  Thomas    y  Committee  for  Grain  &c. 

Mr.  Robert  Rand      ) 

The  Select  Men's  Report  of  their  Examination  of  Mr.  Francis 
Willoughby's  Account  of  the  Granary  for  the  year  past,  and  Entred 
in  Mr.  Willoughby's  Book Read 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted,  And  Accordingly, 
That  Mr.  Willoughby  be  further  Accountable  for  Thirteen  Hundred 
and  Sixteen  Bushels  of  Indian  Corn,  and  Three  Hundred  and 
Twenty  five  Bushels  of  Rie,  a  stock  remaining  in  the  Granary ; 
And  also  for  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  Sixty  Six  Pounds,  Nineteen 
Shillings  and  Seven  pence  in  Bills  of  Credit,  remaining  in  his 
hands. 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year 
Ensuing,  Viz'. 

Mr.  Nicholas  Boylston      .         .  ^  Pay 

Mr.  "WilUam  Vassal,  Excus'd    .  [■  Constables. 

Mr.  Joseph  Wise      ...  )  Pay 

[340.]       Mr.  Thomas  Baxter  .         .  Pay     "J 

Mr.  John  Hunt  .         .         .  Pay      >•  Constables. 

Mr.  Joseph  Lewes     .  .  .  Sworn  j 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Eight  Clerks  of  the  Market, 
for  the  year  ensuing.  The  Votes  being  Collected  and  sorted,  it 
appear'd  that  the  following  Persons  were  Chosen  to  that  OflSce.  — 
Viz'. 


iiosTON  Town  Records,  1738. 


215 


Mess''^  John  G-ridley     . 
William  Scott     . 
Stephen  Winter. 
Benjamin  Edwards 
John  Wells 
Henry  Pigeon     . 
Samuel  Rand  Jun"". 
Samuel  Parkman 


The  following  Persons  were 

ensiling. 

Viz'.  Mess". 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

'  Sworn  ^^^^''^^  of  the  Market 
Sworn 
Pay 

ExcusVl 
Chosen  Scavengers   for  the  Year 


Scavengers. 


Jeremiah  Belknap 

John  Taylor 

Thomas  Boucher 

Nathanael  Gardner 

George  Monk 

John  Hooton 

George  Skinjier 

Jabez  Hunt 

John  Holyoke 

Richard  Hubbard 

John  Lambert 

Samuel  Ridgaway 
The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Liberty,  at  their  own 
Cost  and  Charge  to  Erect  and  Build  a  Row  of  Tombs,  and  to 
Raise  a  good  Brick  Fence  in  the  Front  of  the  Old  Burying  Place, 
abutting  on  Tremount  Street,  they  and  their  Heirs  or  Assigns 
[341.]  Always  keeping  the  same  in  Sufficient  Repair.     Read." 

After  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted,  Upon  Con- 
dition, that  the  said  Work  be  carried  on,  and  perform'd  in  a  way 
and  manner  agreeable  to,  and  according  to  the  Orders  and  Di- 
rections of  the  Select  Men,  who  are  also  hereby  Impowered  to 
Grant  and  Assign  the  Tombs  when  Erected  to  the  several  Grantees, 
they  giving  sufficient  Assurance  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Select 
Men,  that  they,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  Shall  keep,  uphold  and 
maintain  the  said  Brick  Wall  and  Tombs  in  good  and  sufficient 
Repair,  from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times  hereafter,  to  the  appro- 
bation of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  for  the  Time  being. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  Three  O'Clock  in 
the  Afternoon. 


Afternoon,  the  Town  being  again  Assembled 


A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  that  some  methods  may  be 
projected  for  the  Destruction  of  Rats,  with  which  the  Town  is  very 
much  infested,     Read 

And  the  Question  being  put,  Whether  the  Pra3'-er  of  the  Peti- 
tioners be  Granted? 

Voted,  in  the  jS'egative,And  therefore  thatthe  Petition  be  Dismiss'd. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  this  Meeting,  for  a  row  of 
Posts  and  Rails  to  be  set  from  the  Granary  in  Common  Street, 
upwards  to  Beacon  Street ;  in  order  to  prevent  Carts,  &c.  passing 
upon  and  through  the  Common,  and  Spoiling  the  Herbage  thereof. 
The  Town  taking  the  Motion  into  Consideration, 


216  City  Document  No.  66. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Impower'd  and 
Desired,  to  take  effectual  Care  that  the  same  be  performed  in  the 
best  way  and  manner,  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

[343.]  Mr.  William  Owen  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Clerks  of 
the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  William  Owen  Appearing  Pray'd  that  he  might  be  Excused 
from  Serving  as  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  this  year,  for  Reasons 
mentioned.  

Accordingly  the  Question  being  put.  It  pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Mr.  Andrew  Board  man  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the 
Market  for  the  3'ear  ensuing,  and  Sworn. 

The  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  the  Meeting  —  for  preventing 
Selling  Butcher's  Meat  b}^  Steelyai'ds  was  taken  under  Consider- 
ation   And  the  By-Law  relating  thereto Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  give  it  in 
charge  to  the  Person  or  Persons  bj^  them  Employ'd  to  inspect  the 
Market,  and  prosecute  the  breaches  of  the  By-Laws  and  Orders 

of  the  Town That  they  be  especially  Careful  to  prosecute  all 

Persons  they  shall  find  Transgressing  the  said  Bj'-Law. 

A  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  the  Meeting,  for  preventing  the 
Water  which  comes  out  of  the  Common  from  running  down  through 
Winter  Street,  was  Considered,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  That  the  Affair  be  refer'd  to  the  Select  Men,  Who  are 

hereby   Desired   to  View  the   Place, Consider  what    ma}-  be 

proper  for   the   Town   to   do   therein,  Compute   the   Charge,  and 
Report  thereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

The  following  Persons  were  Chosen  Constables,  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 

Viz'.  Mr.  John  Dennie  .    Pay 

Capt.  William  Fletcher   Excus'd 

[343.]     M,-.  David  Cutler        .    Pay  ^Constables. 

Mr.  John  Russell         .    Sworn 
Mr.  William  Paine      .    Pay 
Mr.  John  Tudor  .     Sworn 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Collectors  of  the 
Rates  and  Taxes,  for  the  year  ensuing The  Votes  being  Col- 
lected, It  appear'd  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to 
that  Office. 

Viz'.         Capt.  Daniel  Pecker     .     Refuse  ^ 

Capt.  Nathanael  Barber    Refuse  >  Collectors. 
Mr.  Jacob  Sheafe         .      Sworn  j 

Voted,  That  Nine  Pence  upon  the  Pound,  be  and  hereby  is 
Allowed  to  the  Several  Collectors  of  Taxes,  within  the  Town  of 

Boston  for  the  j'ear  ensuing They  giving  Bond,  with  Sufficient 

Suret^^s,  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Office,  to  the  Satisfaction 
of  the  Select  Men. 

The  Gentlemen  who  were  Chosen  in  the  Forenoon,  A  Commit- 
tee for  Purchasing  Grain,  and  for  Regulating  the  Sale  of  it,  having 
Refused  to  Serve  the  Town  in  that  Office 

Voted,  That  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain, 
and  for  Regulating  the  Sale  thereof,  be  referr'd  to  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting And  in  the  mean  Time,  That  the  Select  Men 


I 


Boston   Town  Records,  1738.  217 

be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  take  Effectual  Care  for  the  Preser- 
vation of  Grain  from  Spoil,  and  for  selling  off  the  Stocic  now  in  the 
Granary  —  And  that    they  give   Directions  accordingly,  As  they 
shall  think  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town. 
Mess".  John  Baker  .     Sworn      ^ 

Thomas  Warden     .     Pa}'  I  p       ,  , , 

John  Decoster        .     Excus'd    [ 
Jonathan  Hartshorn    Sworn      j 
Were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

[344.]  Whereas  the  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Town 
Treasurers  Accounts,  have  not  as  yet  Reported  thereon, 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Treasurers  Allowance  for  his  Service  in 
that  Office  the  year  past,  together  with  the  Choice  of  a  Committee 
for  Auditing  the  Acco'^  of  the  year  ensuing,  be  refer'd  to  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  this  Meeting,  for  Filling 

up    Wheelers   Pond,   so   call'd,    in   Pond    Street After   some 

Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to 
Enquire  into  the  State  and  Circumstances  thereof,  to  Consider  the 
Agreement  formerly  made  between  the  Select  Men,  and  Giles  Dyer 

Esq'',  relating  to  its  lying  Open  for  a  Watering  place  forever 

And  Report  what  may  be  best,  in  their  Judgment,  for  the  Town 
to  Do  therein,  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  b}'  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  at  the  Opening  this 
Meeting,  that  the  Trustees  for  the  Town  of  Boston's  proportion  of 
the  Loan  of  Sixty  Thousand  Pounds  might  be  Desired  to  take 
Especial  Care  to  prevent  the  said  Town's  being  Assess'd  on  Acco'. 
of  the  Neglect  or  Deficiences  of  any  of  the  Borrowers. 

Voted,  That  the  Trustees  for  the  Towns  proportion  of  the  said 
Loan  of  Sixty  Thousand  Pounds  be  and  herebj^  are  Desired  to  take 
Effectual  Care  that  the  Borrowers  of  that  Mone}-  pay  in  the  same, 
that  so  the  Town  may  not  come  to  be  Assess'd  for  an}-  of  their 
Deficiences. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  Doctor  Steuart  at  the  Opening  this 
Meeting,  for  transporting  of  Powder  to  and  from  the  Powder 
House  by  Water  carriage,  and  not  through  the  Streets  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Motion  be  [345.]  referred 
To  the  Select  Men,  Who  are  hereby  Desired  to  project  ways  and 
means  for  the  safe  carriage  and  conveying  of  Powder  to  and  from 
the  Powder  House,  And  Report  thereon,  at  the  next  General  Town 
Meeting. 

Mess".  Joseph  Greenwood    ^  Sworn 

Thomas  Flagg      .       I  Constables  S^^^"^'^ 

Joseph  Gale         .       |  Sworn 

Stephen  Hunniwell  j 
Upon  the  Information  of  the  Select  Men,  That  Madam  Dorotliy 
Salstonstal  (late  the  Widow  of  Mr.  John  Frizzel)  in  and  b}'  her 
last  Will  and  Testament,  did  Give  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred 
Pounds,  to  be  distributed  among  the  Poor  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
and  the  further  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  to  Buy  Bibles  and  Testa- 
ments for  such  Poor  Children  whose  Parents  are  not  able  to  give 


218  City  Document  No.   6Q. 

them And  upon  their  Motion,  That  the  Town  would  Consider  of 

some  suitable  waj's  and  means  for  recovering  Such  a  Donation 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
be,  and  hereby  are -Desired,  to  wait  upon  the  Executors  of  the  said 
Madam  Salstonstall's  Will,  and  Inform  them.  It  is  the  Towns 
Desire  that  the}'  would  Pay  the  said  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  and 
Twenty  pounds  into  the  Hands  of  them  the  said  Overseers,  in  order 
to  the  Distribution  thereof,  According  to  the  Intention  and  Will  of 
the  Donor.  And  that  they  Report  thereon  at  the  next  General 
Town  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Nathanael  Barber  One  of  the  Collectors  of 
Taxes  within  the  Town  of  Boston,  Praying  the  Town  would  please 
to  refund  to  him  the  Sura  of  Ten  pounds  Fourteen  Shillings  and 
Eight  pence,  which  he  has  paid  into  the  Town  Treasury,  for  a  Tax 
assess'd  upon  Mr.  Benjamin  Rolfe,  lately  Deceased,  for  Reasons 
mentioned.  Read 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted  ;  and  that  an 
Order  or  Draft  be  made  upon  the  Town  Treasurer,  for  repaying 
the  said  Sum  of  Ten  Pounds,  Fourteen  Shillings  and  Eight  pence 
to  the  said  Nathanael  Barber,  accordingly. 

[346,]  A  Motion  being  made  at  the  Opening  this  Meeting, 
for  a  Gate  to  be  made  into  the  Common,  for  the  more  eas}*  and 
convenient  Carriage  of  Powder  from  the  Bull  Wharf  &c.  to  the 
Powder  House 

Voted,  That  this  Affair  be  Referr'd  to  the  Select  Men  Who  are 
hereby'  Desired  and  Impowered  to  Act  therein,  as  they  shall  judge 
most  adviseable,  for  the  service  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  Raising  Money  for  Defraying 
the  necessary  Charges  of  the  Town  for  the  3-ear  ensuing  be,  and. 
hereby  is  referr'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  Mr.  Cushing 
the  Moderator,  for  his  great  Pains  in  Regulating,  and  giving  such 
Dispatch  to  the  Affairs  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  lawfully  Warned,  in  Public 
Town-Meeting  Assembled,  upon  Wednesday  the  Second  Day  of 
May,  Anno  Domini,  1739. 

at  the  Town-House. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Charles  Chauncy. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Sheriffs  Precept Read. 

Sundry  Laws, Read 

Then, 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esquire,  One  of  the  Select  Men, 
and  in  Their  Name,  Propos'd  to  the  Inliabitants  Assembled,  to 
proceed  to  [347.]  the  Choice  of  a  Person  or  Persons  to  serve  for 
and  Represent  them,  in  a  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly 
to  be  Held  the  Thirtieth  of  May  Current,  at  Boston.  And  in 
Order  thereto,  to  Consider  and  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentle- 
men so  to  be  Elected  


Boston   Town  Kecoeds,   1739.  219 

And  the  Question  being  put, 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 
Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Rep- 
resentatives  Which   being  Collected   and  Number'd The 

Number  of  Voters  were  found    to  be,  Six  Hundred  and   Thirty 
Five. 

The  Votes  being  Sorted  and  Number'd 

It  appear'd,  the  following  Gentlemen  were  duly  Elected,  by  a 
Majority  of  the  Votes,  Viz'. 

No.  of  Votes. 
Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Jun''.  624 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  430 

Mr.  James  Allen  336 

Mr.  Christopher  Kilby  411. 

The  Election  of  the  Representatives   being   Ended,  the  Select 

Men   declared    the    same And    the   Town    proceeded   to  the 

Choice   of    a   Moderator  and   Mr.    Thomas    Gushing  Jun'.    was 
Chosen  b}'  a  great  Majority'. 

A  Motion  was  made  bj*  Capt  Nathanael  Cunningham, 
that   the   Town    would    G-ive  Instructions    to  the 
Representatives  now  Chosen. 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  to  Three  O'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

[348.]      Several    Petitions,    Proposals    and     Reports    were 

Read 

Viz*. 

A  Petition  of  Capt.  Daniel  Pecker  and  Others, 

Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  year,  1738. 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion's  Proposals   for  a  Committee  to  Con- 
sider of  Means  for  retrenching  the  annual  Charge  of  the 

Town  &c. 

-    The  Select  Mens  Report  relating  to  the  filling  up  Wheeler's 
Pond. 
The    Select   Mens  Report  relating   to  the  Transporting  of 

Powder  to  and  from  the  Powder  House,  by  Water. 
The  Select  Mens  Report  relating  to  Winter  Street. 
Mr.  John    Staniford's    Petition  to  the    Great  and  General 
Court   relating   to   the  Building  a  Bridge   Over  Charles 

River with  the  Courts  Order  thereon. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded   to  the  Choice   of  Several   Officers, 
Viz'. 

Mr.  John  Wheatly       .  .      )  --,  , ,  Sworn 

Mr.  Francis  Beteillie  .  .       )  Sworn 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.    Benjamin  Brown,   (Ship-joyner)    was  Chosen  One  of  the 
Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  year  ensuing.     Sworn. 

Mr.  John  Blowers  was  Chosen  One  of   the  Hogreves,  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

A  Motion  being  made  and  seconded.   Viz'. That  the  Town 

would  (According  to  Order,  as    Euter'd  the  19th.  of  March  last 


i 


220  City  Document  No.  6Q, 

past)  proceed  to  [349.]  The  Choice  of  a  Committee  for  laying 

out  the  Money  appropriated  for  Purchasing  Grain lu  Order 

thereto   A  previous   Question  was  put,  Viz'.    Whether  the  Town 
would  Chuse  the  said  Committee  by  a  Hand  Vote? 
Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 
Accordingly 

Mess'\  Edward  Jackson 
Andrew  Tyler  and 
John  Salter 
"Were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  and 
Impowered  to  give  all  needful  Directions  to  the  Overseer  of  the 
Granary,  respecting  the  Quantities  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  and 
setting  the  Price  thereof,  from  time  to  time. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  upon  a  Motion  made  at  a  Public 
Town  Meeting  the  12th.  March  last  past,  for  Preventing  the  Water 
which  comes  out  of  the  Common  from  running  down  thro'  Winter 

Street Read.     And  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town    as  above.   We  the  Sub- 
scribers  have  Considered  the  Affair  referred  to  Us,  have 

View'd    the    Place -And    Report    thereon,  as    follows. 

Viz'. 
That,  Whereas  in  Time  past,  the  Water  from  Beacon  Street 
principally  run  across  the  Common,  and  so  took  its  course  into 
Winter  Street We  apprehend  the  same  is  now  intirely  pre- 
vented by  the  raising  the  Ground  in"  the  Common,  near  the  En- 
trance   into  the  said    Street So  that    now,   the  Water  from 

Beacon   Street  will    Spread  over  the  Common,  and  as  little  run 
down  thro'  Winter  Street,  as  thro'  most  Streets  in  the  Town. 

Wherefore,  We  are  of  Opinion,  there  is  no  Occasion  for  the 
Town  to  do  any  thing  further  thereon. 
[350.]  AH  which  is  Submitted  &c.  — 

John  Jeffries 
Jonathan  Armitage 
Boston,  Apr.  30.  1739.  Caleb  Lyman 

Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun"^. 

After    Considerable    Debate    thereon The    Question     was 

put,  Viz'.  Whether  this  Report  be  Accepted  ? 
It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

Upon  which,  Mr.  Salter  desiring  Libert}^  to  la}^  some  Proposals 
in  Writing  before  tlie  Town  relating  to  this  Affair,  for  their  Con- 
sideration  The  Question  was  accordinglj''  put 

And  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  Upon  a  Motion  made,  at  a  Public 
Town  Meeting  the  12th.  March  last  past,  for  transporting  of  Powder 
to  and  from  tiie  Powder  House,  by  Water  carriage  and  not  thro' 

the  Streets  of  the  Town 

Read,  and  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town  as  above,  We  the  Subscribers 
have  Considered  the  Affair  referred  to  Us,  And  Report  thereon,  as 
follows.  Viz'. 


Boston   To^vn  Recoeds,   1739.  221 

That  the  Safest  Way  of  Conveyiug  Powder  to  the  Powder  House, 
is  to  do  it  by  Water,  at  all  Times  while  the  River  remains  Open  ; 
And  Therefore,  that  all  Persons  Importing  Powder  be  Obliged  to 
convey  it  from  on  board  Ship,  in  a  Cover'd  Boat  or  Boats,  to  the 
bottom  of  the  Common,  near  the  Powder  House,  and  that  it  be 
carried  from  [351.]  The  said  Boats  to  the  Powder  House,  in  a 
cover'd  Cart  or  Carts  unshod  ;  And  in  the  Winter  Season,  while 
the  river  remains  frozen,  that  it  be  brought  from  on  board  ship  in. 
cover'd  Boats  as  aforesaid,  unto  the  Bull  Wharf,  at  the  South  End 
of  the  Town,  and  from  thence  couvey'd  in  Cover'd  Carts  unshod 
to  the  Powder  House. 

And  in  Order  thereto.  We  think  it  adviseable.  That  the  Gentle- 
men Who  may  be  Elected  to  Represent  this  Town  in  the  Great  and 
General  Court  approaching,  be  desired  and  directed  to  Use  their 
Endeavours,  that  a  Law  may  be  Enacted  for  this  End,  with  a 
Penalty  annexed. 

As  to  the  Carrying  Powder  from  the  Powder  House  thro'  the 

Town We  Apprehend  the  Law  of  this  Province,  akeady  made 

and  provided,  to  prevent  danger  by  Careless  Persons  carrying  it 

Uucover'd  (if  duly  Observ'd)  may  be  sufficient. 

All  Which  is  Submitted  &c. 

John  Jeffries 
Jonathan  Armitage 
David  Collson 
Boston,  Apr.  30.  1739.  Alexander  Forsyth 

Caleb  Lyman 
Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hdtchinson  Jun''. 

After    some    Debate and   upon   a   Motion   made The 

Question  was  put,  Viz'.  Whether  it  may  not  be  more  Convenient 
to  have  the  Powder  landed  at  some  Wharf  more  to  the  Southward 
of  the  Bull  Wharf? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

The  Question  being  put.  Whether  this  Report  shall  be  Accepted? 
Voted,  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Select  Mens  Report  upon  a  Motion  made  at  a  Public  Town 
Meeting  the  12fch  March  last  past,  for  [353.]  Filling  up  Wheeler's 

Pond Read And  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of   the  Town  as  above,  We  the  Sub- 
scribers have  Attended  the  Service  Desired  of  Us,  And  have 
taken   Advice  relating  thereto,  —  And  accordingly  Report 
as  follows.  Viz'. 
That  it  is  with  the  Town  to  give  leave  for  Filling  up  the  said 
Pond,  if  they  see  fit.  And  We  are  of  Opinion  it  may  be  convenient 
to  have  it  so  done  accordingly. 

All  which  is  Submitted,  &c 

John  Jeffries 
Jonathan  Armitage 
David  Collson 
Boston,  May,  2,  1739.  Alexander  Forsyth 

Caleb  Lyman 
Jonas  Clarke 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun^ 


222  City  Document  No.   (^Q. 

Voted,  That  the  further  Consideration  of  this  Report  be  referr'd 
to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Some  Proposals  in  writing  being  presented  by  Mr.  William 
Salter,  for  the   Towns  Consideration  relating  to    Winter   Street, 

Thej'  were  Read And  are  as  follows.  Viz'. 

Boston,  May  2.  1739. 

I  the  Subscriber  Promise,  for  the  Sum  of  Twent}^  Pounds  in 
Bills  of  Credit  to  me  in  Hand  paid,  to  Employ  a  Team  with  a 
Plough  to  raise  the  Ground  about  Ten  foot  from  the  Rayls  [353.] 
Leading  down  the  Common,  and  Carrj'  the  Water  over  the  Com- 
mon, in  a  Gutter  towards  the  Powder  House,  and  so  to  carry  the 
Water  that  now  runs  down  Winter  Street  in  the  aforesaid  Gutter 
to  be  ploughed  up,  and  to  take  the  Dirt  that  shall  obstruct  the 
Water,  and  lay  the  same  at  the  Head  of  Winter  Street  to  prevent 

the  Water  coming  down  the  same And  that  I  will   keep    the 

same   in   Repair   for   the   Term    of  Seven  Years   from  the  Date 

thereof  without    any  Charge    to   the  Town. 

W*^.  Salter. 

Whereupon,  a  Motion  being  Made  and  Seconded 


Voted,  to  Chuse  a  Committee  of  Five  Gentlemen,  to  Consider 
the  Proposals  made  by  Mr.  Salter,  to  Vievv  the  Ground,  and  to 
Report  to  the  Town  (at  the  intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting, 
or  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting)  What  they  think  proper  to 
be  done  in  the  Affair. 
Voted,  that 

The  Hon.  Anthony  Stoddard  Esq"^. 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion 
Samuel  Adams  Esq"". 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
Mr.  John  Staniford. 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

The  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham,  at  the 
Opening  this  Meeting,  for  giving  Instructions  to  the  Gentlemen 
the  Representatives  of  the  Town   of  Boston  now  Elected,   being 

taken  .  into  Consideration After    some    Debate  thereon,   The 

following  Question  was  put.  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  would  give  any  Instructions  to  their  Repre- 
sentatives ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted  to  Chuse  a  Committee  of  Five  Gentlemen  to  Draw  up  In- 
structions for  the  Representatives  accordingly. 
[354.]     Voted,  That, 

Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham 
Mr.  Hugh  Vans 
Samuel  Adams  Esq^ 
Capt.  Benjamin  Pollard 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  in  Drafting  the  said  Instructions  the  Com- 
mittee be  and  hereby  are  Directed  to  make  it  one  of  the  Articles 
Viz'.  That  the  Said  Representatives  Do  all  that  lies  in  their  Power 
to    Obtain  the   Appointment   of  An    Agent   for  the    Honourable 


BosTOx   To^vN  Eecoeds,  1739.  223 

House  of  Representatives,  to  Appear  and  Act  for  them  at  the 
Court  of  Great  Britain,  distinct!}^  and  separately  from  the  Agent 
or  Agents  of  the  whole  General  Court. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Committee  be  further  Directed  to  Draw 
Instructions  to  the  said  Eepresentatives,  On  the  following  Heads, 
Viz'. 

The  Extraordinary  Proportion  which  the  Town  of  Boston_  Pays, 
of  the  Public  Taxes  of  the  Province,  compared  vrith  other  Towns. 
The  Trade  of  the  Province,  and 
The  Medium,  Or  Paper  Currency. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  he  Desired  to  la}'  their  Draft  of  the 
Instructions  before  the  Town  for  their  Consideration,  at  the  in- 
tended Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Proposals  for  Retrenching  the  Charges  of  the  Town,  Ex- 
hibited b}^  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  at  the  Opening  this  Meeting,  were 
Read  again,  and  are  as  follows  Viz'. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 

of  Boston,  in  Town-Meeting  regularly  Assembled,  Ma}',  2* 

17S9. 

[355.]     Whereas   the   Charges  of  the   Town   of  Boston   are 

become  a  ver}'  great  and  heavy  Burthen  on  the  Inhabitants  thereof, 

so  that  the  greatest  Number  by  far  are  not  well  able   to  bear  up 

under  the  same 

It  is  therefore  proposed  by  the  Subscriber  —  That  a  Committee 
be  appointed  to  Consider  of  Ways  and  Means  for  Retrenching  and 

Lessening  the  Annual  heav}'  growing  Charge  of  this  Town. 

And  also  to  take  under  Consideration  the  present  distressed 
Circumstances  thereof,  and  Receive  such  Proposals  as  may  be 
preferred  and  exhibited  to  them,  for  the  Relief  of  this  Town,  and 
Inhabitants  of  the  same  —  And  that  such  Committee  make  Report 

to  the  Town  on  the  Premisses,  so  soon  as  conveniently  may  be. 

All  which  is  Submitted 

p  Jos.  Marion. 

And  upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  by  many 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  of  Seven  Gen- 
tlemen, To  Consider  of  Ways  and  Means  for  retrenching  and  les- 
sening the  Annual  Charge  of  this  Town. And  also  to  consider 

the  present  Distressing  Circumstances  thereof,  and  to  Receive 
such  Proposals  as  may  be  Exhibited  to  them  for  the  Relief  of  the 

Inhabitants Agreeable  to  4he  foregoing  Proposals,  And  that 

they  be  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town  on  the  Premisses  as  soon  as 

conveniently  may  be. 

Voted  That 

Mr.  Joseph  Marion 
Andrew  Oliver  Esq''. 
The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq''. 
Mr.  Timothy  Prout 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
Joshua  Winslow  Esq"". 
Mr.  Jacob  Parker 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

[356.]     The  Petition  of  Capt.  Daniel  Pecker  and  others  Col- 


224  City  Document  No.  66. 

lectors  of  Taxes  for  the  year  1738,  Praying  that  the  Assessors  may 
be  allow'd  to  set  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  October 
next for  Reasons  mentioned.     Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far  G-ranted,  As 
that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  Allow'd  to  sit  upon  Abate- 
ments, until  the  last  Day  of  August  next  ensuing. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee,  appointed  the  10th.  of  May  last  past, 
to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  j'ear  past,  As 
Entred  in  the  Treasurers  Book,  was  Read,  Accepted,  and 

Voted  That  the  Treasurer  be  Discharged  accordingl3\ 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Eight  Thousand,  Six  Hundred  Pounds,  to  be 
Raised  Iby  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of 
Boston,  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  Defraying  other  Necessary 
Charges,  Arising  within  and  for  the  said  Town,  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  Pounds  be  Allow'd  and 
Paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury,  unto  the  Honourable  Joseph  Wads- 
worth  Esq"",  for  his  good  Service  in  that  Office  the  Year  past. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  a  Committee  to  Audit  the 
Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  year  ensuing.     Viz'. 
Major  Samuel  Sewall   ^ 
Mr.  Charles  Apthorp     | 
Doctor  George  Steuart  ^Auditors- 
Andrew  Oliver  Esq^ 
Mr.  Christopher  Kilby 

[357.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday 
the  18th.  of  May  Current,  at  Three  O'Clock,  Afternoon.  . 

Fryday,  May,  18th.  1739 
The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 
A  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford,  Presented  to  the  Great  and 
General  Court,  Praying  that  he  might  be  favoured  with  an  Order, 
or  Licence  from  the  said  Court  to  take  Subscriptions  for  the  Build- 
ing a  Bridge  Over  Charles  River,  from  the  Westerly  part  of  the 

Town  of  Boston,  to  the  Honourable  Colonel  Phip's  Farm With 

the  Order  of  Court  thereon Read And, 

Upon  a  Motion  Made  and  Seconded,  for  Chusing  a  Committee 
to  take  that  Affair  into  Consideration  And  to  Report  to  the  Town, 
at  their  next  General  Town  Meeting,  What  may  be  proper  and 

convenient  to  be  done  thereon The  Question  was  accordingly 

put » 

And  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted  That  the  said  Committee  consist  of  Seven  Persons. 

Voted,  that 

Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham 
The  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq^ 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jun"". 
Samuel  Adams  Esq''. 
Hugh  Hall  Esq^ 
Henr}^  Dering  Esq"^. 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

The  Committee  Appointed  the  2nd.  of  May  Current  to  Draw  up 


Boston   Toaatq^  Records,  1739.  225 

Instructions  for  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  Reported  the  Draft  the  had  prepared,  according  to 
Order As  follows,  Viz'. 

[358.]  The  Committee  appointed  the  Second  instant,  to 
Draw  up  Instructions  to  be  given  to  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  Town  of  Boston,  having  Attended  thau 
Service,  They  Humbly  lay  the  Draft  they  have  pre- 
pared before  the  Town  for  their  Consideration.  Which 
is  as  follows.  Viz'. 
To  Messieurs  Thomas   Cushing  Jun''.  James  Allen,  Edward 

Bromfield  and  Christopher  Kilby. 
Gentlemen, 

We  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
duly  QuaUfied  and  regularly  Assembled  having  Chosen  You  for 
Our  Representatives,  to  Appear  for  Us  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court  of  this  Province  for  the  year  ensuing 

And  Whereas  the  Hardships,  DifHculties  and  Distresses  of  this 
Province  in  General,  as  well  as  this  Town  in  particular,  are  Daily 
increasing  upon  Us,  and  are  now  got  to  such  a  Height,  that  if  the 
Strictest  Application  added  to  the  most  fruitful  Invention  doe.s 
not  instantly  Appear  for  Our  Relief,  We  must  (in  the  Eye  of 
Human  Reason)  Sink  under  the  Burthen  and  Weight  of  Our  Mis- 
fortunes   And  therefore  We  now  Apply  to  you  Our  Represen- 
tatives, with  whom  We  have  intrusted  the  Management  of  all  our 
public  Affairs,  And  upon  Whom  (in  Conjunction  with  the  other 
Worthy  Members  of  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives)  We 
instantly  depend  for  Relief  under  Our  most  deplorable  Circum- 
stances. And,  Inasmuch  as  We  have  been  amus'd  with  Specu- 
lations only,  for  several  j-ears  past,  few  of  which  have  been  reduc'd 
to    [359.]  Practice,  neither   have    the}'  been  attended  with  the 

desired    Success Therefore  We  sincerely  as  well   as   humblj' 

Apprehend  Our  Danger  is  such,  that  Ruin  and  Destruction  must 
unavoidably  Ensue,  unless  some  propitious  Expedient  be  imme- 
diatel}'  (not  only  projected  but)  Practiced  for  Our  Relief. 

And  Therefore,  We  most  Earnestly  Recommend  to  you.  Our 
Instructions  upon  several  Important  Heads. 

I.  Our  Trade,  which  is  so  notoriousl}'  Decaying  every  A'ear  more 
and  more,  and  that  so  Evident,  that  it  needs  neither  Argument  nor 
Instances  to  demonstrate  it.  even  to  the  meanest  Capacit}' :  Every 
One  feels  it,  complains  of  it,  and  yet  No  One  hitherto  has  been  so 

fortunate  as  to  exhibit  an  Expedient  for  Our  Relief We  know 

the  Cause,  and  3'et  have  hitherto  been  unable  to  procure  any 
Means  to  divert  tlie  ill  Effects. 

Our  Trade  labours  under  the  utmost  Discouragements  by  the 
extremity  of  low  Markets  abroad.  Our  neighbouring  Govern- 
ments, especially  Rhode  Island,  Who  are  daily  Rivalling  of  Us  in 
Our  Trade,  and  Medium  of  Paper  Currency,  and  the  liberty  tliey 
have  of  Importing  the  Surplusage  of  nil  their  Commodities  Foreign 
and  Domestick  into  this  Province  for  Sale  at  such  easy  rates  ;  and 
Our  excessive  Taxes,  add  to  them  Our  Impost  to  be  paid  in  Silver 
and  Gold,  and  the  many  Frauds  practised  in  the  Quality,  Weight 
and  Measure  of  almost  all  commodities  either  Consumed  amongst 


226  City  Document  No.   66. 

Us   or  Bought  up  for  Foreign  Markets These  altogether,  are 

such  Burthens,  as  are  Insupportable,  and  if  not  rectified  will  in- 
danger  the  Trade  of  the  whole  Province  :  For  it  is  Evident  beyond 
Contradiction,  that  if  Rhode  Island  can  make  what  Paper  Bills 
they  please,  and  Our  Hands  are  tj^'d  so  as  we  can  make  none,  and 
3'et  Our  Necessities  should  Oblige  Us  to  take  theirs,  and  part  with 
valuable    Commodities,  Nay,  even    Our  Lands    for   them,  if   We 

continue  to  be  heavily  Taxed,  whilestthey  are  free  from  Taxes 

What  Advantages  are  there  which  they  will  not  have  over  this 
Province?  [361.]  They  maj'  Purchase  it  all  in  a  few  years  if  they 
go  on  and  increase  in  proportiou  to  what  they  have  done  for 
several  Years  past  (Witness  the  very  last  Year,  in  which  We  gave 
an  Instruction  upon  this  very  Head,  Since  which,  that  Colony  has 
Emitted,  One  Hundred  Thousand  Pounds  in  Paper  Bills,  and  Not- 
withstanding An  Act  of  this  Province  is  pass'd,  prohibiting  the 
Currency  of  them  amongst  Us,  Yet,  its  much  to  be  fear'd  (Inas- 
much as  there  has  been  nothing  done  within  Ourselves,  for  Our 
Relief  in  respect  to  a  Medium)  let  Our  Aversion  to  their  Bills  be 
what  they  will,  and  Our  Acts  against  them  never  so  strong,  Yet 
Our  Circumstances  and  Necessities  will  force  the  People  to  take 
them)  And  therefore  in  Order  to  Increase  Our  Trade,  We  Appre- 
hend, it  will  be  absolutely  Necessary  to  have  a  Suflflcient  Medium 
under  good  regulations,  and  reject  theirs,  and  to  lessen  our  Taxes, 
especially  Our  Impost ;  And  a  further  Encouragement  to  Our 
Trade  will  be  to  Enact  that  a  Drawback  be  AUow'd  upon  all 
Foreign  Goods  imported.  Upon  which  there  is  a  Dut}'  paid,  Upon 
their  being  re-exported,  as  is  highly  reasonable,  and  the  well 
known  Practice  of  Our  Mother  Countrey. 

II.  And  Whereas  We  apprehend  ourselves  grievously  Oppress'd 
bj'  a  verj'  large  and  disproportionable  part  of  the  Province  Tax, 
laid  upon  us  for  several  years  past,  compared  with  the  proportion 
paid  by  Other  Towns  within  this  Province ;  And  However  the 
proportion  ma}^  have  been  heretofore  thought  reasonable,  3'et  as  all 
things  are  liable  to  a  Mutation,  So  the  Circumstances  of  this  Town 
of  late  Years  are  exceedingly  Alter'd  by  reason  several  Maritime 
Towns  within  this  Province  are  continually  Rivalling  of  Us,  and 
have  Actually  Stripp'd  us  of  several  valuable  Branches  of  Trade, 
which  must  necessarilv  render  Us  less  able  to  pay  Our  wonted 
Tax  [361.]  Whilest  the}'  are  more  able,  and  ought  to  Pay  a  much 
larger  than  they  have  heretofore  done. 

And  altho'  We  have  often  Complain'd,  yet  hitherto  have  had 
very  little  Redress,  And  as  the  Scarcity  of  Bills  of  Credit,  and 
Decay  of  Our  Trade,  and    Lessening  Our    Navigation    increases 

upon  Us,  so  Our  Taxes  ought  to  be  reduced  in  Proportion 

And  therefore  We  Earnestly  Desire  You  to  Scrutinize  into  the 
Circumstances,  Trade  and  Taxes  of  the  several  Towns  within  this 
Province,  and  so  Endeavor  that  Our  Proportion  of  the  Public 
Province  Tax  may  be  reduced,  according  to  Our  Circumstances  at 
this  Daj',  Compared  with  Other  Towns. 

III.  Our  Bills  of  Public  Credit,  which  are  of  the  Utmost  Con- 
cern to  the  general  Interest  of  this  Province,  as  well  as  all  the 
Trading   Towns  in  particular.     And  as  the  Distressing   Circum- 


Boston   Toavn  Eecords,  1739.  227 

stances  of  this  Province  are  increasing  upon  us  in  proportion  to 
their  being  Call'd  in,  and  destroj-ed,  without  suitable  Provision 
being  made,  for  somewhat  to  pass  as  a  Medium  in  Lieu  thereof, 
So  the  Consequence  must  be  terrible,  if  not  fatal  to  this  Province 

And  therefore  We  strong]}'  Enjoyn  You,  Not  to  Consent  to 

any  further  Supply  of  the  Treasury  for  any  growing  Charge  of  the 
Province,  Unless  the  Fund  for  Discharging  the  same  be  put  on 
sutable  j'ears  after  Seventeen  Hundred  and  Fort}'  One.  • 

And  as  the  Taxes  are  so  exceeding  high  already,  and  that  We 
may  not  be  left  as  a  Prey  to  the  arbitrary  Will  of  every  Officer, 
Who  may  Occasionally  have  am*  Demand  upon  Us,  in  relation  to 
their  Fees,  We  would  therefore  recommend  to  You,  that  You  Use 
Use  Your  Utmost  Endeavour,  that  the  Fees  of  the  Officers  may  be 
fixed  and  ascertained,  to  prevent  Oppression,  Uncertaint}^  and 
Dispute,  which  will  necessarily  Arise,  Unless  some  good  Law  be 
made  to  prevent  the  same. 

We  likewise  Enjoyn  You  to  Oppose  the  foreclosing  the  Deliber- 
ations of  future  Assemblies  between  this  and  Seventeen  Hundred 
and  Forty  One  relating  to  the  [362.]  Bills  of  Public  Credit  of 
the  Old  Tenor,  but  that  They  be  left  Free  to  Act  when  the  Years 
shall  Come,  According  as  They  shall  judge  most  Adviseable  for 

the  safety  of  the  Province And  inasmuch  as  past  Assemblies 

have  interrupted  the  Opperation  of  the  Province  Bills  of  the  Old 
Tenor,  and  have  not  Suffer'd  them  to  pass  according  to  the  true 
Intent  of  their  Emission  ;  But  have  made  Bills  of  a  New  Tenor  to 
Exchange  the  Old  Bills,  So  that  the  verj-  Nature  of  them  are  in- 
tirely  Altered,  which  will  inevitably  Cause  the  Utmost  Perplexity 

in  the  Affairs  of  the  Province, 

Therefore  We  likewise  Enjoyn  You  to  Use  Your  Utmost  Power 
and  Influence  to  Obtain  an  Act  for  Striking  off,  so  many  Bills  of 
the  Old  Tenor  as  will  re-exchange  all  the  Bills  of  the  New  Tenor 
already  Exchanged  for  the  Old,  that  thereby  the  said  Old  Bills 
may  Operate  according  to  their  Fund,  and  as  shall  be  most  con- 
sistent with  the  safety  of  this  Province. 

And  That  the  growing  Charge  of  this  Province  added  to  the 
Fund  already  laid  for  Calling  in  all  Our  Paper  Currency  by 
Seventeen  Hundred  and  Forty  One,  may  be  set  in  a  true  Light, 
to  shew  the  Impracticability,  if  not  Impossibilit}'  of  its  being 
done,   without  causing  the  Utmost  Confusion,  if  not  Destruction 

of  this  Province We  herewith  present  You  with  the  following 

Account. 

1739.     Fund    for   Calling    in  j 

this  Year,    Bills   of  > .  „    25525,, 

the  Old  Tenor      .      ) 
Bills  of  the  New  Tenor") 

£12,500         .  .       I 

with  Two  Hundred  )■  37500  ,,        ,, 

p      Cent     Advance  | 

upon  it,  makes     .      J 
Representatives     Pay,  ^ 

in    Bills  of  the  Old  [  4000  ,,        ,, 

Tenor.         .         .      ) 


228 


City  Document  No.   66. 


[363.]     1740. 


1741. 


Charges  of  the  Current 
Year,  in  Bills  of  the 
Old  Tenor    . 


40000  ,, 


£107025  „ 


Fund    for    Calling    in") 

this    Year,    Bills   off-     ,,    25525,, 

the  Old  Tenor  .  ) 
Bills  of  the  New  Tenor  ^ 

£13000.    with    Two  | 

Hundred      p     Cent  )■    ,,    39000  „ 

Advance     upon    it,  | 

makes  .         .      J 

Representatives     Pay,  \ 

in   Bills  of  the  Old  I     ,,      4000  ,, 

Tenor .  .  .      ) 

Charges  of  the  Current " 

Year,  in  Bills  of  the  }-     ,,    40000  ,, 

Old  Tenor  . 


£.108525  ,, 


Fund  for  Calling  in  this ") 

Year,    Bills    of  the  [    ,,    25525  ,, 

Old  Tenor  .  .  J 
Bills  of  the  New  Ten-  ^ 

or,  £9000.  with  Two  j 

Hundred     p      Cent  }■    ,,    27000  „ 

advance      upon      it  j 

makes  .  .      J 

Representatives    Pay,  \ 

in  Bills    of  the  Old  ^     ,,     4000  ,, 

Tenor.  .  .  ) 
Charges  of  the  Current  1 

Year,  in  Bills  of  the  f-     ,,    40000  ,, 

Old  Tenor   .         .      ) 


£96525  ., 


107025 

108525 
.96525 


£.312075 


So  that  according  to  the  projected  Scheme,  this  Province  must 
bring  into  the  Treasury,  every  one  of  their  Bills  by  Seventeen  Hun- 
dred and  Forty  One,  which  amounts  to  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred 
Twelve  Thousand  and  Seventy  five  Pounds  ;  Or  otherwise,  Three 
Hundred  Twelve  Thousand  and  Seventy  five  Ounces  of  Silver, 
Saving,  what  small  Matter  may  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  in  Hemp 
and  Flax. 

Thus  stands  the  state  and  view  of  our  Affairs  at  present 

Wherefore  We  Enjoyn  [364.]  You  to  Use  your  Utmost  Power, 
that  the  Funds  be  laid  in  Paper  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  and  Not  in 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1739.  229 

Bills  of  the  New  Tenor,  redeemable  in  Silver  and  Gold,  which 
cannot  possibl}^  be  Obtained  by  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province. 
IV.  And  Whereas  the  Public  Affairs  of  this  Province  are  ex- 
ceedingl}'  Embarras'd,  and  the  Relief  which  We  have  so  earnestly 
and  long  expected  from  Home,  hath  not  hitherto  had  its  desired 
Success  —  And  having  duly  inquired  into  the  reason  of  this 
Aggrievance ;  We  Apprehend  that  the  unhappy  Situation  of  Our 
Public  Affairs  at  Home,  and  their  not  being  Solicited  in  such  a 
Manner  as  the  Urgent  Necessities  of  this  Province  absolutely 
requires,  is  Owing  to  Nothing  so  much  as  the  Want  of  a  proper 
Agent  or  Agents,  dul}-,  and  timel}'  to  Solicit  all  Our  Public  Affairs 
at  Home,  which  may  be  transmitted  thither  from  Our  Honourable 
House  of  Representatives,  and  that  such  Agent  or  Agents  be 
appointed  and  depend  upon  the  Honourable  House  of  Representa- 
tives only. 

And  Therefore,  We  strongl}'  Enjoyn  you,  to  use  your  utmost 
Power  and  Influence  (in  Conjunction  with  the  Other  worth}-  Mem- 
bers of  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives)  that  such  an 
Agent  or  Agents  be  appointed  by  the  Honourable  House,  in  such 
Manner,  and  for  such  Ends  and  Purposes  as  shall  occasion  all}- 
Appear  for  the  Necessit}^,  Safety,  Security  and  General  Weal  of 
this  Province  ;  And  that  such  Agent  or  Agents  Depend  upon  the 
House  of  Representatives  only 
All  which  is  Submitted  by. 

Your  most  Humble  Servants. 

Nathanael  Cunningham. 

Hugh  Vans. 

Samuel   Adams. 

Benjamin  Pollard. 

MiDDLECOTT    CoOKE. 

[365.]     Upon  a  Motion  made,  and  seconded The  several 

Articles  of  the  foregoing  Instructions,  were  distinctly  Read,  De- 
bated and  Pass'd  upon And  then. 

Voted,  That  the  Draft  of  Instructions  from  the  Town  of  Boston, 
to  their  Representatives,   as  they  have  been  distinctly  read   and 

considered  in  the  several  Articles,  be  Accepted And  that  the 

Town  Clerk  be,  and  herebv  is  directed  and  ordered  to  deliver  an 
Attested  Copy  thereof  to  Each  of  the  Gentlemen  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  Town  of  Boston,  as  the  Instructions  of  the  said  Town. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  the  Town  House,  On  Fryday,  July 
27"^.  Anno  Domini,  1739. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Mr.  Thomas  Gushing,  Junior,  was  Chosen  Moderator. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  the  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq^  Viz'.  That 
the  Town  would  please  to  Consider  a  Vote  pass'd  at  a  Meeting  of 
the  Inhabitants,  Mar.  12tii,  1732,  respecting  the  Leasing  of  Houses 

or  Lands  belonging  to  them And  Represented,  that  if  the  said 

Order  should  be  strictly  Observed  in  Granting  new  Leases  of  the 
Shops  in  Dock  Square,  it  would  probabh^  be  a  Means  of  hurting 


230  City  Document  No.   66. 

the  Towns  Interest  there  ;  for  that,  the  former  Leases  (two  only 
excepted)  Expired  some  time  ago,  And  the  Select  Men  were 
prevented  Advertising  them,  according  to  the  said  Order,  by 
reason  of  their  being  then  Contested  in  the  Law. 

Andrew  Oliver  Esq"",  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  for  the  Year  current. 

[366.]  A  Motion  being  made  for  proceeding  to  the  Choice  of 
Two  Collectors And  some  Debate  arising  thereon, 

Voted,  That,  inasmuch  as  there  is  no  likelihood  of  any  Assess- 
ment speedil}'  to  be  made Therefore  That  the  Choice  of  Two 

Collectors  be  refer'd  to  the  intended  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Gentlemen  appointed  (at  a  Public  Town-Meeting  the  5th 
April,  1737)  A  Committee  for  Building  a  Work  House  in  Boston, 

having  Effected  the  same,  Presented  their  Report Which  is  as 

follows,  Viz'. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting  As- 
sembled, on  Fryday  the  27th.  July,  1739. 

We  the  Subscribers  being  Appointed  a  Committee  at  a  Meeting 
of  the  said  Town,  April  the  5th.  1737.  for  the  Erecting  a  Work 
House  at  the  upper  end  of  the  Common,  Agreeable  to  the  Vote  of 

the  said  Town,  Have  Attended  that  Service And  altho'  We 

have  not  yet  been  Able  to  Settle  with  all  the  Subscribers  to  the 
Work,  and  Trades-Men  Emploj^'d  therein,  Yet  have  Effected  the 
same,  so  that  it  is  now  ready  to  be  Improved  for  the  Service  de- 
signed. 

Edward  Hutchinson. 
Jacob  Wendell. 
James  Bowdoin. 
Samuel  Sewall. 
Daniel  Henchman. 
Andrew   Oliver. 

Sundr}^  Proposals,  Town  Votes  and  Reports  of  Committees  on 
Affair  of  Erecting  a  Work  House,  were  also  Read. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  for  Erecting  the  Work  House, 
being  Read  again, 

[367.]  Voted,  that  the  Report  be  Accepted;  And  that  the 
Gentlemen  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  within  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  the  current  Year  be,  and  hereby  are  Directed  and  Impowered 
to  Receive,  and  take  Possession  of  the  Work  House  now  Erected, 
from  the  Gentlemen  the  Committee  for  Building  the  same  :  And 
that  the  said  Overseers  be  also  Desired  to  take  upon  them  the  In- 
spection Ordering  and  Government  of  said  House,  until  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  in  March  next ;  And  that  the  said 
House  be  Used  and  Improved  for  the  Reception  and  Employment 
of  the  Idle  and  Poor  of  the  said  Tov^^n,  in  the  best  Manner  for  the 
Advantage  of  the  Town,  According  to  the  true  Design  and  Inten- 
tion of  the  Gentlemen  the  Subscribers  to  that  Work,  and  Pursuant 
to  the  Law  of  this  Province  in  that  Case  made  and  provided. 

The  Gentlemen  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  having  prepared  a 
Body  of  Orders,  and  By-Laws  for  the  better,  and  more  decent 
Regulating  the  Work  House,  Presented  the  same  to  the  Town  for 
their  Approbation.     Read. 


BostojS^   To^visr  Records,  1739.  231 

After  some  Debate  thereon  —  And  upon  a  Motion  Made  and 
Seconded, 

Voted,  to  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee,  to  take  under 
their  Consideration  the  Draught  of  the  Orders  and  By-Laws  for 
the  Regulation  and  Government  of  the  Work  House,  now  pre- 
sented to  the  Town  and  read  —  And  to  Report  an}'  Amendments, 
Alterations  or  Additions  which  thej^  may  think  proper. 

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five. 

Voted,  That,  The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq^ 
Tiie  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq^ 
The  Hon.  Josiah  Willard  Esq''. 
Mr.  Christopher  Kilby,  and 
Samuel  Adams  Esq'', 
be  a  Committee  for  tlie  Ends  aforesaid  :  Who  are  desired  to  Report 
thereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

[368.]  Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be,  and  hereby 
are  Desired  to  proceed  to  Order,  and  Govern  the  Work-House, 
according  to  the  By-Laws  presented  to  the  Town  and  Read,  Until 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  for  receiving  the  Committees 
Report  thereon. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  by  the  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq'',  at  the 
Opening  of  this  Meeting,  respecting  Leasing  out  the  Towns  Lands 
&c. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereb}'^  are  Directed  and 
Impowered  (after  Advertising  the  same,  in  the  Public  News  Papers, 
so  long  as  they  shall  think  necessar}')  to  proceed  to  Grant  New 
Leases  of  the  Towns  Shops  in  Dock  Square,  and  such  Other  of  the 
Towns  Estate,  the  Leases  whereof  are  Expired,  or  which  will 
Expire  at  or  before  the  First  of  March  next  ensuing,  to  such 
Persons,  at  such  Rents,  and  for  such  Time  as  they  shall  think 
most  for  the  Towns  Interest  and  Advantage,  Not  Exceeding  Seven 
Years  ;  the  Town  Vote  and  Order  made  and  pass'd  the  Thirteenth 
of  March,  1732,  to  the  Contrarj^  hereof,  notwithstanding. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  25th.  of 
September  next,  at  Three  O'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned,  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  the  Town  House,  on  Frj'day,  the 
Fourteenth  of  September,  Anno  Domini,  1739. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

Mr.  Tiiomas  dishing  Junior,  was  Chosen  Moderator. 

[369.]  A  Petition  of  Sundry  of  the  Inhabitants,  presented  to 
the  Select  Men,  relating  to  the  Defenceless  State  of  the  Town, 
Read After  some  Debate  thereon  — 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  to  Draw  up  a 
Memorial,  or  Addiess  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  in  Order  to 
it's  being  Presented  at  tlieir  approaching  Session,  Representing  the 
Defenceless  State  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  Praying  for  the 
Grant  of  a  Sufficient  Sum  of  Money  to  be  Improv'd  in  Fortifying 
the  same  ;  and  to  lay  the  said  Draught  before  the  Town,  at  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  for  Approbation. 


232  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Voted,  that  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five. 

Voted,  that,  Mr.  Nathanael  Cunningham 
Colonel  Edward  Winslow 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
Mr.  Shem  Drowne,  and 
John  Colman  Esquire, 
be  the  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded 

Voted,  That  it  be  given  as  an  Instruction  to  the  said  Committee, 
in  their  Drafting  the  said  Address  or  Memorial,  to  take  Notice  of 
the  large  Sums  of  Money,  which  for  many  Years  past  have  been, 
and  still  are  Raised,  principal!}^  from  this  Town,  by  the  Duties  of 
Impost,  and  paid  into  the  Province  Treasury,  Which  was  Origin- 
all}'  Granted  and  intended  for  the  Maintenance  of  a  Ship  of  War, 
principally  for  a  Guard,  and  Protection  to  the  Trade  of  the  Town 
of  Boston. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  forth- 
with to  wait  upon  His  Excellency  the  Captain  General,  to  acquaint 
Him,  that  the  Town  has  Chosen  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  Mem- 
orial or  Address  to  be  presented  to  the  Great  and  General  Court, 
to  Represent  the  Defenceless  State  of  the  Town,  and  Praj^  for  a 
Grant  of  a  Sufficient  Sum  of  Money,  to  be  Improv'd  [370.]  In 
Fortifying  the  same :  And  Humbly  to  Pray  His  Excellency  to 
Recommend  the  Affair  to  the  General  Court,  at  their  next  Sitting. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned,  to  Tuesday  next  the 
Eighteenth  of   September  current  at  Four  O'Clock  Afternoon. 

Tuesda}^,  September,  18th.  1739. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment, 

The  Committee  appointed  the  fourteenth  current  to  Draw  up  a 
Memorial  to  be  presented  to  the  General  Court,  laid  before  the 
Town  the  Draft  they  had  prepared Which  was  Read.     Viz*. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th.  current  to  draw  up  a  Mem- 
orial or  Address  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  having  attended 
that  service,  humbly  lay  the  Draft  they  have  prepared  before  the 

Town,  for  their  Consideration 

All  which  is  Submitted,  By, 

Nathan^.  Cunningham 
Edward  Winslow 

Sept.  18.  1739.  Samuel  Sewall 

Shem  Drowne 
John  Colman 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esquire,  Captain  General 
and  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  His  Majesty's  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Baj'  in  New  England,  the  Honourable  the  Council 
and  House  of  Representatives,  in  General  Court  Assembled,  the 
19th  of  Septem^  Anno  Domini,  1739. 

The  Memorial  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 

Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  Whereas  there  is  [371.]  Great  prospect  of  a  General 
War,  which  will  much  Affect  the  Trade  of  this  Province  in  general, 
and  the  Town  of  Boston  in  a  particular  manner Your  Memo- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1739.  233 

rialists  therefore  beg  leave  to  Represent  to  Your  Excellency  and 

Honours  the  Defeuceless  State  of  the  said  Town Our  Batteries 

being  gone  to  deca}-,  and  the  Province  Galle}-,  and  Sloop,  which 
were  for  the  Defence  of  Our  Coast,  disposed  of,  and  applied  to  the 
Sinking  Fund  of  Our  Public  Taxes,  as  has  also  the  Impost,  which 
Ever  since  the  last  War,  has  been  continued,  Altho'  when  the  War 
Ended,  the  Occasion  of  that  Tax  Ceased  also  —  Which  Duties  of 
Impost  have  been  principall}'  paid  by  the  Town  of  Boston,  and 
has  been  a  very  heavy  Burthen  upon  the  Trade  thereof,  to  which 
may  be  added,  not  only  Our  growing  Charges,  but  also  the  Great, 
and  (as  We  Humbly  Apprehend)  disproportionable  part  of  the 
Province  Tax  paid  by  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  ; 

And  Considering,  that  the  Safety  and  Security  of  the  Province 
very  much  depends  on  Our  Coast,  Harbour  and  Town  being 
Defended  by  proper  Guard  Vessels  and  Fortifications Con- 
sidering also,  the  nearness  of  Cape  Breton,  from  whence  We  may 
expect  in  all  probability,  A  Number  of  Privateers  will  soon  be  fitted 
out,  whereby  Not  only  Our  Vessels  from  Europe,  but  also  Our 
Fisher}^  and  Coasters  (on  which  great  part  of  Olu-  Food  and  Firing 
depends)  will  be  Expos'd. 
For  which  Reasons, 

Your   Memorialists   Humbly  Pray,  That   Our    Defenceless 

Condition  may  be  taken  into  Your  Wise  Consideration 

That  Our  Sea  Coast  maybe  suitabl}"  Guarded Our  De- 

cay'd  Batteries  Repair'd,  And  such  Other  Provision  made  for 
Our  Safety  and  Defence,  As  Your  Excellency  and  Honours, 
in  Your  Great  Wisdom,  Shall  see  Meet. 

And  Your  Memorialists,  As    in  Duty  Bound,    Shall  Ever 
Pray,  &c. 
Voted,  That  the  Draft  of  an  Address  now  Reported  by  the  Com- 
mittee,   be   Accepted That   the   Select   Men  be  Desired  and 

Directed  to  Sign  the  Address  in  the  Name  and  by  Order  of  the 

Inhabitants  of  Boston And  that  the  [373.]  Representatives 

of  the  Town  Present  the  same  to  the  Great  and  General  Court,  at 
their  next  Sitting. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen 
of  both  Committees,  for  their  Pains,  in  Attending  the  Services 
respectively  desired  of  them. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  on  Tuesday  the  Twent}'  fifth  of  September,  1739. 
According  to  their  Adjournment  made  the  Twenty  Seventh  of  July, 
last. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  further  Adjourn'd  to  Fryday  the 
Twelfth  of  October  next,  at  Three  O'Clock  Afternoon. 

Fryday,  October,  12th,  1739. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

Mess".  Thomas  Moffatt,  and 
William  Greenleaf, 

were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Current  Year. 


234  City  Document  No.  Q6. 

The  ComtDittee  appointed  the  18th.  of  May  last  past,  Upon  the 
Petition  of  Mr.  John  Slaniford,  Reported  thereon,  which  was  Read, 
and  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Boston  October  11th.  1739. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  Referr'd  the  Consideration  of  the 
Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford  Are  of  Opinion,  That  a  Bridge  from 
the  Western  part  of  the  Town  of  Boston  to  Colonel  Phips's  Farm 
will  be  a  Publick  Benefit ;  and  therefore  that  it  will  be  proper  for 
the  Town  of  Boston  to  [373.]  Make  No  Objection  to  the  Prayer 
of  said  Petition. 

Nath^.  Cunningham 
Samuel  Welles 
Samuel  Sewall 
H.  Hall 
Samuel  Adams. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded,  the  Question  was  put  Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  would  Pass  upon  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee, at  this  Time? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative.     Accordingly, 

The  Question  being  put,  Viz'.  Whether  this  Report  be  Accepted  ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Mr.  Thomas  Moffatt,  cliosen  one  of  the    Collectors  of  Taxes, 

Appearing,  Informs,  that  he  is  soon  bound  to  Great  Britain 

And  therefore  Prays  the  Town  would  please  to  Excuse  him  from 
that  Service Accordingly, 

The  Question  was  put 

And  It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Honourable  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire,  from  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  the  Twenty  seventh  of  July  last  past,  to  take 
under  Consideration  the  Draught  of  the  Orders  and  By-Laws  for 

the  Regulation  and  Government  of  the  Work  House Reported 

Several  Amendments  and    Additions,    which    they   thought   were 

proper  to  be  made And  having  taken  the  said  Amendments 

in  a  New  Draught  of  the  said  Orders,  laid  the  same  before  the 
Town  for  their  Approbation. 

Which  were  Read  — —  And  are  as  follows Viz', 

[374.]  Rules  and  Orders  for  the  Management  of  the  Work- 
House  lately  Erected  in  the  Town  of  Boston  ;  for  Employing  and 
Maintaining  the  Idle  and  Poor,  belonging  to  said  Town. 


Labor  improbus  omnia  vincit. 


The  General  Method 


I.  Rules  relating  to  the   Overseers  of  the    House,  and   their 
Conduct. 

II.  Rules  relating  to  the  Master  and  Mistress  of  the  House. 

III.  Rules  relating  to  the  Persons  admitted  into  the  House. 

IV.  Rules   relating    to   the    Work    and    Employment   of    the 
House. 

V.  Rules  relating  to  the  Diet  and  Victualling  the  House. 

VI.  Rules  relating  to  the  Religious  Worship  of  the  House. 


Boston  Town  Records,   1739.  235 

VII.     Rules  relating  to  the  Government  of  the  House. 
To  which  is  added, 
The  Weekly  Diet  of  the  House,  for  the  1^'.  Quarter. 


Rules  and  Orders  for  the  Management  of  the  Work  House 

IN  Boston. 


I.     Rules  relating  to  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  loho,  by  Law  have 
the  Direction  of  the  said  House. 

1.  That  there  shall  be  a  General  Meeting  of  the  Overseers 
at  the  House,  the  third  Tuesday  of  every  Month,  at  three 
O'clock  in  the  Afternoon,  to  inspect  all  Accounts,  and  examin 
into  the  Behaviour  of  the  People  committed  to  the  House, 
and  of  their  own  Officers  and  Servants,  and  to  redress  all  Diffi- 
culties that  occur  to  the  Master,  and  to  hear  and  consider  all 
Complaints  [375.]  Made  by  the  Poor,  and  to  consult  and  advise 
about  such  further  Rules  and  Methods  as  may  be  for  the  advantage 
of  said  House. 

2.  That  a  Committee  of  the  Overseers,  consisting  of  Three 
(Two  of  which  are  impowered  to  Act)  take  the  more  immediate 
Inspection  of  the  House  for  One  Month  by-  turns  :  and  that  they 
meet  at  the  House  every  Tuesdays  at  three  o'Clock  in  the  afternoon, 
for  inspecting  the  Management  of  the  House,  and  the  Behaviour  of 
the  Persons  therein  for  the  Week  past ;  for  Advising  and  Assisting 
the  Master  in  the  Affairs  thereof:  But  that  in  emergent  and  im- 
I'jortant  cases,  they  call  the  whole  body  of  Overseers  together : 
The  Master  of  the  House  to  give  notice  to  the  Overseers  who  are 
next  to  attend,  at  the  beginning  of  each  course. 

II.     Rules  relating  to  the  Master  and  Mistress  of  the  House. 

1.  That  the  Master  and  Mistress  be  Persons  of  approv'd  In- 
tegrity and  Ability,  Who  shall  be  chosen  annually.  At  a  General 
Meeting  of  the  Overseers,  sometime  in  the  Month  of  Ma}^ ;  And 
in  case  of  their  Death  or  Removal,  other  Persons  be,  as  soon 
as  may  be  Chosen  in  their  Room,  by  the  Overseers,  Who  shall 
have  Power  to  Agree  with  such  Master  and  Mistress  for  their 
Yearly  Salaries  :  But  tliat  if  the  said  Master  or  Mistress  be  found 
guilty  of  any  immoral  or  iri'egular  behaviour,  the  Overseers  reserve 
to  themselves  a  Power  to  dismiss  them,  and  to  place  others  in  their 
room. 

2.  That  the  Master  keep  a  Register  of  the  Names,  Ages,  Oc- 
cupations and  Places  of  Nativity,  and  of  their  last  abode,  of  all 
the  Persons  that  shall  be  Admitted  into  the  House,  as  well  as  an 
Account  of  the  Time  of  their  Entry  and  of  their  Deaths  or  Dis- 
mission from  the  House. 

3.  That  the  Master  keep  the  Gates,  at  all  times,  well  Secured, 
and  a  proper  Person  be  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  same  ;  Who 
shall  admit  none,  nor  let  any  go  out,  without  liberty  of  the  Master, 
or  in  his  Absence,  of  the  next  Officer :  And  if  any  be  desirous  to 
see,  or  speak  with  any  of  the  Persons  committed  to  the  House,  the 


236  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Doorkeeper  is  not  to  call  them,  [376.]  Without  leave:  And  if 
an}^  Person  be  suspected  of  bringing  in  any  strong  Liquors,  or 
carrying  out  any  thing,  belonging  to  the  House,  or  an}^  Person 
therein,  the  Door-keeper  is  to  stop  them,  and  give  Notice  to 
the  Master,  that  so  due  Enquir}'  and  Search  may  be  made  forth- 
with, and  the  Guilty  punished  :  But  yet,  all  such,  as  in  an  orderly 
way,  would  see  the  House,  shall  be  treated  with  proper  Respect 
and  Civility,  by  the  Master,  and  in  his  absence,  by  the  next  officer 
of  the  House. 

4.  That  the  Master  at  the  Hours  appointed  for  going  to  Bed, 
which  in  the  Summer  season  shall  be  at  Ten  O'Clock,  and  in  the 
Winter  season  at  Nine  O'Clock  shall  see  all  Fires  and  Lights  ex- 
tinguished. Excepting  what  shall  be  absolutely  necessar\^,  and  that 
these  be  left  under  proper  care. 

5.  That  the  Mistress  take  care  that  the  Victuals  be  well  and 
seasonably  Dress'd,  the  Bread  and  Beer  prepared  according  to  the 
Direction  of  the  Overseers  ;  that  the  Rooms  be  Swept,  and  Beds 
made  every  Day  ;  that  the  Windows  be  frequently  Opened  for 
Airing  the  House ;  that  the  House  be  Washed,  as  often  as  shall  be 
judg'd  necessary ;  that  the  Table-Linnen,  Dishes  &c,  be  clean  ; 
that  the  People  be  kept  clean  and  neat  in  their  Apparel,  and  have 
clean  Linnen  to  Shift  Once  every  Week,  and  the  Beds  Shifted 
Once  a  Month  in  the  Summer  Season:  And  that,  for  her  Assist- 
ance, there  shall  be  proper  Persons  Appointed  by  the  Overseers, 
or  their  Committee  for  these  Services,  as  well  as  for  other  Neces- 
sar}-  Occasions  of  the  House. 

6.  That  the  Master  buy  the  Provisions,  and  Materials  for 
Work,  and  other  Necessaries ;  and  dispose  of  what  is  Manufac- 
tured, to  the  best  advantage,  according  to  the  Advice  and  Direction 
of  the  Overseers,  with  whom  he  is  to  consult  in  this,  and  all  other 
matters  of  Importance. 

7.  That  the  Master  keep  Books  of  Accounts  of  all  Expences, 
and  Profits  of  the  House,  to  be  Pass'd  upon,  and  allowed  by  the 
Overseers,  at  their  Monthl}'^  Meetings,  and  to  be  Open  to  the  In- 
spection of  the  Town,  whenever  they  shall  see  cause  to  appoint  a 
Committee  for  that  Service. 

[377.]  That  the  first  Book  contain  An  Inventory  of  all  Fur- 
niture, Linnen  and  Woolen  Cloathing  bought,  and  of  the  necessary 
Utensils  belonging  to  said  House,  with  an  Account  how  they  are 
disposed  of. 

That  the  next  Book  Contain  An  Account  of  all  the  Provisions 
&c.  bought ;  as  also  the  Quantities  of  each  Sort  Expended  every 
Day,  and  of  the  Number  of  Persons  provided  for,  each  Day. 

And  that  the  last  Book  contain  An  Account  of  all  the  Stock,  and 
Materials  for  Carrying  on  the  Work  of  the  House,  which  has  been 
purchased,  or  sent  to  be  manufactored,  as  also  the  Names  of  the 
Persons  by  whom  sent ;  with  an  Account  how  such  Goods  are  dis- 
posed of,  and  of  the  Profits  arising  on  the  same. 

8.  That  the  Master  and  Mistress  be  Obliged  to  Observe  such 
further  Rules  and  Orders  as  shall  be  thought  necessar\^  to  be  made 
by  the  Overseers,  from  time  to  time,  relating  to  the  Affairs  of  the 
House,  Agreeable  to  the  Law  of  the  Province. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1739.  237 

III.  Rules  relating  to  the  Persons  that  shall  be  Admitted  into  the 

House. 

1.  That  None  shall  be  Admitted  without  a  written  Order,  under 
the  Hand  of  One  or  more  of  the  Overseers. 

2.  That  upon  their  Admission,  they  be  Examin'd,  Whether 
they  are  free  from  Lice  and  foul  Distemper ;  And  such  as  shall  not 
be  found  clean,  shall  be  put  into  some  particular  Room,  'till  they 
be  perfectly  cleans'd  :  And  that  the\'  be  Obliged  to  take  Care  to 
keep  themselves  Wash'd  and  Comb'd,  and  their  Cloathes  neat  and 
whole,  and  to  Change  their  Liunen  Once  a  Week. 

3.  That  the  Sevei'al  Persons  in  the  House  constantly  Repair  at 
the  stated  Hours  to  their  proper  Apartments :  where  they  shall 
work  orderly  at  such  Business,  and  so  man}-  Hours  as  the  Over- 
seers shall  direct. 

4.  That  they  constantly  attend  the  Worship  of  God,  in  the 
House,  and  observe  the  Rules  prescribed  for  their  Meals. 

5.  That  when  any  Children  shall  be  Received  into  the  House, 
there  shall  be  some  sutable  Women  appointed  to  attend  them  ; 
Who  are  to  take  Care  that  they  be  Wash'd,  [378.]  Comb'd  and 
Dressed  every  Morning,  and  be  Taught  to  Read,  and  Instructed  in 
the  Holy  Scriptures  and  Assemblies  Catechism,  at  such  Hours  as 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Overseers  ;  And  that  the  rest  of  their 
Time  be  employ 'd  in  such  Work  as  shall  be  Assigned  them  ;  And 
when  they  arrive  to  a  sutable  Age,  they  shall  be  Bound  out  into 
good  Families,  as  the  Law  directs. 

6.  That  when  any  Persons  are  taken  Sick,  they  shall  be  re- 
moved into  the  Alms- House,  if  it  may  be  done  with  Safety,  and 
be  put  under  the  Care  of  said  House  'till  further  Orders  :  But  if  a 
removal  shall  be  judg'd  dangerous,  then  they  shall  have  a  Nurse, 
and  the  Town's  Physician  to  attend  them,  where  they  are. 

IV.  Rules  relating  to  the   Work  and  Employment  of  the  People 

in  the  House. 

1.  That  the  Bell  shall  be  rung  every  Morning  to  call  the  Family 
up ;  and  such  Persons  as  are  able,  shall  repair  to  the  several 
Places  appointed  for  them  to  do  their  work  in,  and  shall  be  kept 
diligently  at  work  from  Snch  Hours  in  the  Morning,  to  such  Hours 
in  the  Evening,  as  the  Overseers  shall  from  time  to  time  direct ; 
Excepting  so  much  time  as  shall  be  allow'd  for  Meals,  and  Reli- 
gious Worship. 

2.  That  the  common  Work  of  the  House  be  Picking  of  Oakum, 
Unless  for  such  Trades-Men,  whose  Business  may  be  well  accomo- 
dated in  the  House,  and  it  shall  be  judged  more  profitable  to 
employ  them  in  their  proper  Trades ;  Such  as  Taylors,  Shoe- 
makers, Mopmakers,  Nailers  &c.  And  that  such  of  the  Women 
as  are  capable,  be  employ'd  in  Carding,  and  Spinning  Wooll,  Flax, 
Yarn  for  Mops,  and  Cotton  Yarn  for  Candlewick,  Knitting,  Sew- 
ing &c.  But  that  these  things  be  determined  and  regulated  by 
the  Overseers,  or  their  Committee. 

3.  That  Whereas  the  Poverty  and  Ruin  of  many  Families  is 
often  Owing  to  the  Idleness  and  [379.]  Vicious  Courses  of  one 


238  City  Document  No.  66. 

of  the  Heads  of  it,  more  particularly  of  the  Masters,  Who  mu}' 
have  been  bred  to  some  good  Trade,  that  by  Industry  would  com- 
fortably support  them,  the  rest  of  the  Family  being  Industrious, 
and  in  a  capacity  of  Earning  something  considerable  towards  their 
own  Support,  so  that  it  may  be  judg'd  proper  to  order  said  Persons 
up  to  the  House  and  Employ  them  there  ;  In  that  case.  An  Account 
shall  be  kept  of  their  Earnings,  and  after  a  reasonable  deduction 
for  their  Maintenance  in  the  House,  the  Overplus  sliall  be  apphed 
to  the  Support  of  their  Family  in  such  Ways  and  Methods,  as  the 
Overseers  or  their  Committee  shall  direct. 

V.     Males  relating  to  the  Diet  and  Victualling  of  the  House,  and 
the  proper  Seasons  thereof. 

1.  That  the  Overseers  shall,  from  time  to  time,  as  often  as 
they  shall  judge  Necessary,  at  any  General  Meeting,  Agree  upon 
the  Diet  of  the  House,  to  be  continued  'till  further  Order ;  which 
Agreement  they  shall  deliver  in  writing  to  the  Master  for  his 
direction. 

2.  That  the  Hour  of  Dining  be  Twelve  a  Clock,  at  which  time 
the  People  of  the  House  shall  all  be  called  together,  and  Dine  in 
one  room  (if  it  will  contain  them)  having  their  Tables  cover'd 
with  sutable  Cloths,  Dishes,  Trenchers  &c.  and  the  Commons  for 
the  Day,  as  directed  by  the  Overseers :  That  None  be  allowed  to 
Dine  in  their  separate  rooms,  unless  in  case  of  indisposition  :  But 
that  as  to  their  Breakfast  and  Supper,  it  maj-  be  delivered  to  them 
out  of  the  Kitchen,  between  the  Hours  of  Eight  and  Nine  in  the 
Morning,  and  of  Six  and  Seven  in  the  Evening. 

3.  That  they  be  allowed  from  the  Hour  of  Twelve  to  One 
for  the  time  of  Dining ;  and  that  from  Plight  to  Nine  in  the 
Morning,  and  from  Six  to  Seven  in  the  Evening,  be  allowed  for 
the  other  Meal  times,  and  for  Attendance  on  Divine  Worship. 

VI.     Rules  relating  to  the  Religious  Worship  of  the  House. 

[380.]  1.  That  the  Master  every  Morning  between  the 
Hours  of  Eight  and  Nine,  and  every  Evening  between  the  Hours 
of  Six  and  Seven,  Call  the  People  together,  and  Read  a  sutable 
portion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  to  them,  and  Pray  with  them  ;  And 
as  often  they  Eat  together,  Ask  a  Blessing,  and  Return  Thanks. 

2.  That  he  take  especial  Care,  that  the  Sabbath  be  duly  Ob- 
served ;  And  besides  the  Morning  and  Evening  Service,  he  shall 
be  Obliged  (until  other  provision  be  made)  to  call  the  whole 
Family  together,  at  least  One  part  of  the  Day,  and  spend  a  suta- 
ble portion  of  Time  in  Praying,  Singing  of  Psalms,  and  Reading 
some  practical  discourses  of  Divinity,  that  shall  be  Appointed  by 
the  Overseers. 

VII.     Rules  relatiyig  to  the  Government  of  the  House,  both  with 
respect  to  Rewards  and  Punishments. 

1.  That  all  Immoralities  and  Disobedience  to  the  Crovernment 
of  the  House,  and  other  Misbehaviour,  be  by  the  Master  noted  in 


Boston   Town  Records,  1739.  239 

a  Book,  and  laid  before  the  Overseers,  or  their  Committee  ;  that 
b}'  their  Authority'  and  Admonition,  such  Rudeness  and  Immorality 
may  be  restrained,  and  Peace  and  good  Order  maintained,  and  all 
obstinate,  perverse  and  unriilj'  Persons  punished,  according  to 
their  Crimes. 

2.  That  such  as  shall  dul}'  Observe  the  fore-going  Orders,  and 
faithfully  Perform  their  several  Tasks  shall  be  Intitled  to  One 
penn}'  out  of  every  Shilling  the}'  Earn,  to  be  disposed  of  by  the 
Overseers  for  their  greater  Comfort. 

3.  That  Whereas  some  slothful  Persons  may  pretend  Sickness 
or  Lameness,  to  excuse  themselves  from  Labour:  It  is  Ordered, 
That  such  Persons  shall  pass  a  proper  Examination  by  the  Phy- 
sician ;  And  if  it  should  Appear  upon  his  Report  and  other  con- 
curring Circumstances  that  those  Persons  made  false  Excuses  they 
shall  be  punished  by  such  an  Addition  of  Labour  [381.]  To  their 
daily  Stint  or  some  other  way,  as  the  Ovwseers  or  their  Committee 
shall  determine. 

4.  That  No  Person  presume  to  Smoke  Tobacco  in  their  Beds,  On 
penalty  of  being  denied  Smoking  for  One  week  ;  And  that  if  any 
be  convicted  a  Second  Time,  He  or  She  shall  be  punished  as  for 
other  Misdemeanours. 

5.  Tliat  No  Person  presume  to  Beg  Monej",  or  any  other  thing, 
directly  or  indirectly,  from  an^^  Person,  that  shall  come  to  Visit  the 
House,  on  penalty-  of  being  denied  their  next  Meal. 

6.  That  No  Person  presume  to  go  out  of  the  House  without 
Liberty ;  And  that  every  One  who  Obtains  leave,  shall  return 
in  good  Order,  at  the  time  appointed.  On  penalty-  of  being  denied 
going  oat  for  One  Month  for  the  first  Offence,  and  for  Three  Months 
for  every  Offence  afterwards 

7.  That  if  any  Person  shall  Neglect  to  repair  to  their  {)roper 
places  for  Work  ;  Or  being  there,  shall  refuse  to  work,  loiter  or  be 
idle  ;  Or  shall  not  well  perform  the  Task  of  work  set  them  ;  Or 
shall  waste  and  spoil  an}'  of  the  Materials,  or  Tooles  of  the  several 
Manufactures;  Or  shall  deface  the  Walls,  or  break  the  Windows, 
Or  shall  disturb  the  House  by  Clamour,  Quarrelling,  Fighting 
or  abusive  Language ;  Or  shall  bring  any  strong  Liquors  into 
the  House  without  leave;  Or  shall  be  Absent  from  Divine 
Service  without  reasonable  Excuse ;  Or  prophane  the  Sabbath  ; 
Or  carry  it  disrespectfully  to  their  Governoars  ;  Or  shall  be  Guilty 
of  Lying,  or  wanton  and  lascivious  Behaviour;  Or  shall  Drink  to 
Excess,  Steal  or  prophanely  Curse  and  Swear;  Or  in  any  Other 
respect  Act  immorally  or  irregularly.  They  shall  be  Punished, 
eilhcr  by  denying  them  a  Meal,  or  whole  days  allowance,  or  by 
Gaging,  or  causing  them  to  wear  a  Collar  round  about  their  Necks 
with  a  wooden  Clog  to  it,  or  by  Obliging  them  to  stand  on  a  Stool 
in  a  publick  Place,  with  a  Paper  fix'd  on  tlieir  Breast,  denoting 
their  Crime  in  Capitals,  for  the  space  of  One  Hour,  Or  by  Ordering 
them  into  the  Dungeon  to  be  kept  with  Bread  and  Water,  not 
exceeding  Forty  Eight  Hours,  Or  by  an  Addition  of  Labour  to 
their  daily  Task,  according  to  the  nature  and  circumstance  of  the 
Crime  ;  And  in  Case  of  frequent  repetition  and  [382.]  Obstinacy 
in  their  Criujes,  they  shall  be  Punished  by  Order  of  One  or  more 


240 


City  Document  No.  66. 


Justices  of  the  Peace,  b}""  removal  into  Bridewell,  or  otherwise  as 
the  Law  directs, 

8.  That  the  Committee  of  Overseers,  at  their  Weekly  Meeting, 
have  Power  to  punish  all  breaches  of  the  foregoing  Orders, 
Excepting  those  that  are  referred  to  tlie  Cognizance  of  a  Justice 
of  Peace :  And  in  all  such  Cases  a  Majority  of  the  Overseers  shall 
be  called  together. 

9.  That  the  Master  of  the  House  have  Power,  in  the  intervals 
between  the  Meetings  of  the  Committee  of  the  Overseers,  to  punish 
the  breaches  of  the  foregoing  Orders,  according  to  the  Instructions 
he  shall  receive  in  writing  from  the  Overseers  or  Directors  of  the 
House  from  time  to  time ;  And  that  in  any  Cases  of  Difficult^' 
Arising,  which  may  need  a  more  speedy  Consideration,  he  shall 
call  the  Committee  together  for  their  Advice  and  Assistance. 

10.  That  if  any  Person  in  the  House  shall  discover  any  other 
Person  who  shall  be  Guilty  of  any  of  the  foregoing  Offences,  Such 
Person  shall  I'eceive  some  such  Reward  or  Incouragement  as  shall 
be  Ordered  by  the  Overseers  or  their  Committee  :  And,  if  any  Per- 
son shall  know  of  an}^  of  the  Offences  aforesaid,  and  doth  not 
discover  the  same.  Such  Person  shall  be  Punished  according  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Overseers. 

11.  That  the  foregoing  Rules  and  Orders  of  the  House  be  pub- 
lickly  Read,  every  Monday  Morning,  that  none  may  plead  or  pre- 
tend Ignorance  of  them. 

The  End. 

The  Diet  of  the  House  for  the  first  Quarter. 


Breakfast 


Supper 


Dinner 
Lords  Day 
Monday 
Tuesday 
Wednesday 
Thursda}^ 
Fryday 
Saturday 
N.B.  Small  Beer  to  be  given    as  there  may  be  Occasion. 

[383.]  The  Question  being  put.  Viz'.  Whether  the  foregoing 
Orders  and  By-Laws  for  the  decent  Regulating  the  Work-House, 
as  taken  in  the  New  Draught,  with  the  Amendments,  be  Approved 
and  Accepted  ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  and  hereby  are  Desired 
to  proceed  to  Regulate  and  Govern  the  Work  House,  according  to 

the  said  By-Laws Until  the  Town  shall   see  cause  to  Order 

Otherwise. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  for  Building  the  Work-House  be,  and 
hereby  are  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town,  their  Transactions  in 
that  Aflair,  as  full}^  as  may  be,  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

Mr.  WilUam  Greenleaf,  chosen  One  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes, 
Appearing,  Prays   the  Town  would    please  to    Excuse'  him  from 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1739.  241 

Serving  in  that  Office for  that  he  intends  Speedily  to  remove 

out  of  the  Town.     Aecordingl}', 

The  Question  was  put And 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Whereas  Several  Persons  Chosen  to  Serve  the  Town  in  the 
Office  of  Collectors  of  Taxes,  for  the  Year  current,  have 

refused  to  undertake  the  same And  it  not  being  likel}- 

that  the  Taxes  will  be  speedily  made Therefore, 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to 
Confer  with  the  Constables  of  the  Town,  Or  any  other  Sutable 
Persons,  in  Order  to  their  undertaking  the  Collecting  the  Taxes 

for   the   Year   current And  that  they  be   desired  to  Report 

thereon,  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  dismiss'd. 

[384.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  lawfully 
Warned,  in  Public  Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at. the  Town  House, 
Upon  Monday,  the  Tenth  of  December,  Anno  Domini,  1739. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  William  Hooper 

A  Precept  under  the  Hand  and  Seal  of  the  Honourable  John 
Quincy  Esquire,  Speaker  of  the  Honourable  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, directed  to  the  Select  Men,  Requiring  them  to  Assemble 
the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants,  to  make  choice  of,  and 
Depute  (if  tiie}^  see  cause)  A  Person  to  serve  for,  and  Represent 
them  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly,  Now  Convened, 
held  and  kept,  for  His  Majesty's  Service,  at  the  Court  House  in 

Boston In  the  Room  of  Mr,  Christopher  Kilby,  Who  is  Gone 

Agent  for  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  the  Court  of  Great 

Britain Together  with  the  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting 

Read. 

The  Question  was  put,  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  would  proceed 
to  Chuse  A  Person  to  Serve  for,  and  Represent  them  in  the  Great 
and  General  Court  or  Assembly  Now  Convened,  in  the  Room  of 
Mr.  Kilby? 

Voted,  In  the  Affirmative. 

Then  the  Laws  respecting  the  Power  of  the  Select  Men,  to  give 
Directions  for  the  regular,  and  Orderl}^  Carrying  on  the  Meetings 
for  the  Choice  of  Representatives,  &c.  were  Read. 

And, 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  One  Represen- 
tative Accordingly.  Wliich  being  Collected  and  Number'd The 

Number  of  [385.]  Voters  was  found  to  be..  One  Hundred  and 
Forty  two. 

The  Votes  being  Sorted  and  Number'd,  it  appear'd  that.  Captain 
Nathanaol  Cunningham  was  Chosen  by  a  great  Majority  of  Votes. 
Viz.  One  Hundred  and  Eleven  Votes. 

The  Election  of  a  Representative  being  ended,  the  Select  Men 
declared  the  same  ;  And  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a 

Moderator And  Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham  was  accordingly 

Chosen  Unanimously. 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq^  made  a  Motion  Viz'.  That 


242  City  Document  No.  G6. 

the  Town  would  Chuse  Two  Persons  to  Inform  against,  and  Pros- 
ecute the  Violaters  of  An  Act,  in  addition  to  an  Act  for  the  better 
Preservation  and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this  Province  ;  Accord- 
ing to  the  Direction  of  the  Law  in  that  Case  provided. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  b}'  the  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq'. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  tlic  Clioico  of  Two  Persons,  to  Inform 
against  and  Piosecute  the  Violaters  of  the  Act  for  the  better  Pres- 
ervation and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this  Province. 

Accordingly 

Mess'^^  Jeremiah  Belknap,  and  \  Sworn. 
Richard  Hubbard  j  Sworn, 

were  chosen  to  that  Ollice,  Until  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Inhab- 
itants in  March  next. 

Whereas,  at  a  Public  Town  Meeting  held  b}^  Adjournment  the 
12th.  of  October  last,  It  was  referr'd  to  the  Select  Men  to  Confer 
with  the  Constables  of  the  Town,  or  any  other  sutal)le  Persons,  in 
Order  to  their  undertaking  the  Collecting  the  Taxes  for  the  current 
Year They  now  Reported  thereon,  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town  as  above We  the  Sub- 
scribers have  Conferr'd  with  the  Constables  of  the  Town,  relating 

to  their  Collecting  the  Taxes  [386,]  For  the  Year  Current 

Who  refuse  to  Accept  of  that  Office,  on  any  Terms  proposed  to 
them. 

Jonathan  Aemitage  ^ 
Alexander  Forsyth   [  Select- 
Dec.  6.  1739.  Caleb  Lyman  f  Men. 

Jonas  Clarke      j 

Whereas,  the  Town  of  Boston,  at  a  Public  Meeting,  the  19th. 
of  March  last,  Pass'd  the  following  Vote,  Viz'. 

"  That  Nine  pence  upon  the  Pound  be  and  hereby  is  Allowed  to 
"the  several  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  the  Town  of  Boston  for 
''•  the  year  ensuing  ;  They  Giving  Bond  with  Sufficient  Suietys,  for 
"the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Office,  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the 
"Select  Men." 

And  Whereas  Two  of  the  Collectors  then  Chosen  Viz*.  Mess". 
Daniel  Pecker  and  Nathanael  Barber,  have  since  refused  to  Accept 
of  that  Office,  Upon  Account  of  the  growing  difficulties  which 
Attend  it ;  A  Motion  was  made,  and  Seconded  by  many.  Viz'. 
That  Three  pence  upon  the  Pound  might  be  Added  to  the  former 
Allowance Which  will  make  their  Allowance  to  be  One  Shil- 
ling upon  the  Pound,  for  Collecting  the  Taxes  for  the  Year  current 
Accordingly, 

The  Question  being  put.  It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Two  Persons  to  Serve  in  the 
Office  of  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  this  Town,  for  the  Year  cur- 
rent, in  the  Room  of  the  Persons  above  named,  Who  have  I'efused 
to  serve  therein And  that  they  be  chosen  by  a  Hand  Vote. 

Mess''^  John  Goldthwait,  and  ]  n  ^^     *. 

T  ,      o^     -r.     1  f  Collectors. 

John  Stamford  j 

Were  accordingly  Chosen,  two  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  within 

the  Town  of  Boston,  for  the  3ear  current. 

Then  the  Meetins;  was  Dismiss'd. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1739-40.  243 

[387.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned, 
in  Public  Town  Meeting  Assembled,  at  the  Town  House,  On 
Monday  the  Tenth  of  March  A.  D.  1739.  . 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  William  Hooper. 

The  Warrants  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read, 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  and  the 
Votes  being  accordingly  Collected,  it  appeared  that,  Mr.  Thomas 
Gushing  Jun''.  was  Chosen,  Unanimousl3\ 
Sundry  Laws  Read. 

Samuel  Gerrish  was  unanimously  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the 
year  ensuing,  and  Sworn. 

Sundrj'  Petitions,  Reports,  and  Motions Viz'. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Allen,  School-Master,  for  Addition  to 

his  Salar}' Read. 

A  Petition  of  the  Masters  of  the  Fire  Engines  Read. 
A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for         )  -p      , 

Paving  of  Love  Street j  ^^®^^*- 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  (to  the  Select  Men)  respecting 
the  state  of  the  North  and  South  Battery's  and  for  Securing 
and    Maintaining    the    Town's    Rights   on   and   about   Fort 

Hill Read. 

A  Petition  of  the  Gi'ave  Diggers  (to  the  Select  Men)  represent- 
ing the  state  of  the  South  Burj-ing  Places Read. 

A  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Public 

Schools Read. 

A  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  relating  to  the  disposition  of  the 
Moneys  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  Three  Tracts  of  Land, 

Granted  by  the  Genei'al  Court Read. 

A   Petition   of    Mr.    William    Salter,    Keeper   of    the    Powder 

House Read. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Richard  Buckley  and  Others Assessors  in 

the  year,  1739 Read. 

[388.]  A  Petition  of  Mess".  Andrew  and  Peter  Oliver,  for  Hir- 
ing the  unimproved  Lands  on  Fort  Hill,  for  a  Pasture Read. 

Mr.  William  Torre3',  made  a  Motion  that  the  Town  would  con- 
sider of  some   effectual   method   to    prevent   frauds   in    the 
Measure  of  Coal. 
Mr.  Heur}'  Gibbs,  made  a  Motion  that  the  Town  would  consider 
of  some    means   to   prevent   frauds  in  the  Measure  of  Cord 
wood,  Sold  in  this  Town. 
Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Officers  &c. 
Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Select  Men. 
The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected  and  Sorted  it  appear'd 
that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Office-  for 
the  Year,  ensuing.  Viz'. 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq''.  ^ 

Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage 

Mr.  David  Collson  | 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth.  y  Select-Men. 

Caleb  Lyman  Esq''. 

Mr.  Jonas  Clarke. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson 


244 


City  Document  No.   QQ. 


Constables. 


Voted,  to  Chuse  Twelve  Constables  distinct  from  the  Collectors 
^f  Taxes.     Accordingl}'  — 

Mess".  William  Marchant 

Benjamin  Brown 

William  Tliwing 

John  Proctor 

Lawrence  Lutwyche 

Thomas  Ayres 

Thomas  Greeuough 

Lewis  Vassall 

Timothy  Emerson 

Caleb  Ray 

Richard  True 

John  Sim[)son  (Brasier) 
were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  year  ensuing. 

[389.]     The  Honourable  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'',  was  Chosen 
Town  Treasurer,  for  the  Year  ensuing  And  Sworn. 


Pay 
Pay 

Excus'd 

Pay 

Sworn 

Sworn, 

Pay. 

Excus'd 

Pay 

Excus'd 

Pay 

Paid  in  1737. 


Mess'' 


Caleb  Ray 
John  Adams 
Joseph  Russell 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 


John  Indicott,  Sworn   y  Fence  Viewers 
Thomas  Foster 
Hopestill  Foster 
Gershom  Flagg 


Sworn 
Sworn 
Belongs  to  an  Engine. 


Were  Chosen  P'ence  Viewers  for  the  j'ear  ensuing. 


Sworn 
Sworn 


>  Viewers  of  Shingles  &c. 

Sworn 
Sworn 


Mess".  Joseph  White 

Edward  Richards 

Joseph  Ricks,  Sworn 

William  Paine,  Sworn 

Edward  Moberly 

Mathew  Barnard 

Were  Chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards,  Timber,  Shingles  &c. 

Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  was  Chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp.  Sworn. 

Mess".  John  Helyer  ^  Sworn 

Harvey  Thomas  j  Sworn 

Samuel  Green,  Sworn  }>  Cullers  of  Staves. 

John  Hobbs  |  Sworn. 

Joseph  Ingraham  J  Sworn. 

Were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  High  Ways. 

Mess".  Richard  Hubbard   )  t  ^  v.     ^  t\  Sworn 

T         •  1    T)  II  r  Iniormers  about  Deer.     ^ 

Jeremiah  Belknap  j  Sworn. 

to  Inform  against  and  Prosecute  the  Violators  of  the  Act  for  the 

better  Preservation  and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this  Province. 

Mr.  Richard-Carter  Cowell,  was  Chosen  Haward,  for  the  year 

ensuing, Sworn. 

[400.]  Mess".  Samuel  May 

*  Nathanael  Hodgdon 

John  Allen 

Benjamin  Emmons 

Benjamin  Mason 

Thomas  Inches 

Where  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather. 

*  [Here  the  paging  of  the  original  is  changed  by  ten  pages  to  p.  400  instead  of  p.  390,  but 
there  is  no  break  in  the  manuscript.    W.  H.  W.] 


Sworn 
Sworn 

>  Sealers  of  Leather.  ^^ 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 


Boston  Town  Records,  1739-40. 


245 


Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  State  of  the  Batterys,  be 
refer'd  to  the  Afternoon,  at  Five  O'Clock,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
Vote  for  a  County  Treasurer. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Three  O'Clock  this 
Afternoon. 


>■  Overseers  of  Poor. 


Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

A  Petition  of  Samuel  Kneeland Read. 

The  following  Gentlemen  wei'e  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
for  the  year  ensuing,  Viz'. 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq" 

William  Tyler  Esq'. 

Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood 

Major  John  Hill 

Thomas  Hubbard  Esq^ 

Daniel  Henchman  Esq''. 

Joshua  Cheever  Esq''. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 

Capt.  William  Downe 

Mr.  Samuel  Hunt 

Andrew  Oliver  Esq"". 

Mr.  Isaac  White 

Mess".  Richard  Buckley 
Peter  Thomas 
Joshua  Blanchard 

Jacob  Parker  )■  Assessors. 

William  Salter 

Daniel  Pecker         Sworn  ' 

Nathanael  Barber  Sworn 
Were  Chosen  Assessors  for  the  year  ensuing. 


[4:01.]     Capt.  Jonathan  Armitage  and 

Mr.  David  Collson,  Two  of  the  Select  Men  chosen  in  the  Morn- 
ing,  Desiring   to  be  Excused having   Served   in  that   Office 

Several  Years  past The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Two 

Select  Men  in  their  Room And  the  Votes  being  accordingly 

Collected  and  Sorted It  Appear'd,  That, 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  and 
Mr.  MidcUecott  Cooke 
were  Chosen  Select  Men,  for  the  year  ensuing 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  relating  to  the  Disposition  of  the 
Moneys  arising  from  the  Sale  of  Three  Tracts  of  Land,  Granted 

by    tlie    General    Court Read    Again And    after    some 

Debate   thereon The   Question  was   put,   Viz'.    Whether   the 

Town  would  now  proceed  upon  the  Consideration  of  the  said 
Report As  also  upon  the  Affair  of  Fortifications? 

It  pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  Thai  the  Consideration  of  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men, 
And  the  Affair  of  the  Fortifications  be  referr'd  to  the  intended  ad- 
journment of  this  Meeting. 


246 


City  Document  No.  6Q. 


Constables. 


Mess''.  Samuel  Holland       .     Sworn 

John  Seiller     .         .     Sworn 

Thomas  Hawding     .     Paid  in  1735. 

Samuel  Hastings     .     Sworn 

Robert  Duncan,        .     Sworn 

Joshua  Richardson  .     Pay 

Abel  Kedgell  .         .     Excus'd 

William  Crow  .  .     Sworn 

Samuel  Demming     .     Pay 

David  CoUson  Jun"^.      Pay 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

According  to  Order  in  the  Fore  Noon,  the  Town  proceeded  to 

bring   in   their   Votes  for  a  Count}^   Treasurer ■  Which   being 

collected  were,  according  to  Law  Sealed  up  by  Constable  Lawrence 
Lutwyche,  by  him  to  be  kept,  and  return'd  to  the  next  Quarter 
Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

[403 .  ]     Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  Tomorrow 
Morning,  at  Nine  O'Clock. 

Tuesday,  March,  11th.  1739. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournm*. 
The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Public 
Schools,  being  presented,  was  Read,  and  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  Mar.  10.  1739. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Annual  Meet- 
ing the  12th.  of  March,  last  p:ist.  Desiring  the  Select  Men  to  Visit 

the  several  Public  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  to  Report  thereon 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  attended  that  Service,  on  Mon- 
day the  25th,  of  June  last, Accompanied  by  the   following 

Gentlemen,  Viz'. 

The  Honourable  William  Dummer  Esq^ 
The  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq^. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Sewali,  D.D. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Tliomas  Prince 
The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Cooper 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Checkley 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Charles  Chauncy 
And  found  the  said  Schools  under  a  good  regulation  ;  the  Num- 
ber of  Scholars  in  the  said  Schools  being  as  follows.  Viz'.  In  the 
South  Grammar  School,  One   Hundred    and    Ten  ;   In  the  North 
Grammar  School,  Sixty  Six  ;  In  the  South  Writing  School,  Sixt}^ ; 
In  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  Sevent3'   Seven  ;  In  the 
North  Writing  School,  Two  Hundred  and  Eighty. 

John  Jeffries  )  q  i    t 

Caleb  Lyman  Jonathan  Armitage  >  ,r 

Tho^.  Hutchinson  Alexander  Forsyth  ) 
[403.]  Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted:  And  that  the 
Gentlemen  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  Visit  the 
Public  Schools  within  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing,  Desiring  Such 
Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  therein,  as  they  shall  think  proper ; 
And  that  the^-  Report  thereon. 


Boston  To^tst  Eecords,  1739-40. 


247 


Scavengers. 


Mess".  Natlianael  Band,  Sworn  "^ 

William  Scott  Sworn     tt 

James  Gibson  Sworn  \  Hogreves. 

Natlianael  Richardson,  Sworn  J 
^ere  chosen  Hogreves. 

Mess".  Thomas  Boucher 
John  Ben  net 
Thomas  Johnson 
Nathanael  Gardner 
Samuel  Parkman 
John  Vintenon 
.Jonathan  "Williams 
Benjamin  Edwards 
Henr}'  Pigeon 
Samuel  Hill 
John  Collson 
Bartholomew  Gedne}" 
were  Chosen  Scavengers. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  that  the  Clerks  of  the  Market  be  chosen 
by  written  Votes, 

The  Question  was  put,  And  it  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 
Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Eight  Clerks  of  the  Market. 
And, 

Mess".  Samuel  Gibbon 

Charles  Coffin  Sworn 
Eobert  Watt  Sworn 

William  Thwing  Sworn 
Benjamin  Neal  Sworn 
Job  Coit  Excus'd 

Thomas  Stoddard  Paid 
John  Cravath  Excus'd 

were  accordingly  Chosen  to  that  Office. 
[404.]     The    Memorial   of    Mess' 
Thomas  and  Others,  Assessors  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
past,  Praying  for  firther  Allowance  for  their  Service 
And  after  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Twenty  four  Pounds,  be  Allow'd  and 
Paid  to  Mess".  Richard  Buckle}"  and  others  Assessors  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  the  year  past,  in  full  for  Twelve  Books  by  them 
Copied  for  the  Collectors,  which  Sum  being  charg'd  iii  their 
Account  Exhibited  to  the  Select  Men,  was  Excepted  to,  and  Dis- 
allow'd,  as  being  without  president. 


Clerks  of  the 
Market. 


Richard  Buckley,  Peter 
the  Year 
-  Read. 


P^xcus'd  ^ 

Sworn  I 

Excus'd  y  Constables. 

Excus'd 


Mess".  John  Tuckerman 
John  Decoster 
John  Seaborn 
Joseph  How 

Daniel  Bnllard  Jun'.     Pay 
were  chosen  Constables. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  presented  to  the  Select  Men, 

Praying,  among  other  tilings,  that  there  might  be  inserted  in  the 

Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  "A  Clause,  Effectually  to  bring 

inder  the  Towns  Consideration,  to  preserve  all  the  Towns  Right 


248  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

"in  Fort  Hill,  and  the  Battery  Ground,  to  Recover  it  from  the 
"Encroachments  already  made,  and  to  preserve  it  from  any  far- 
"ther  " Read  again, 

And  after  Some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Committee  to  Enquire  into 
the  Towns  Rights  on  and  about  Fort  Hill. 

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  the  Committee  be  Five. 

Voted,  that,  Samuel  Adams,  Esquire 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion 
Mr.  Robert  Rand 
Mr.  Shem  Drowne 
Mr.  Jonathan  Williams 

[405.]  Be  a  Committee  for  the  ends  aforesaid :  And  they 
are  Desired  to  Report  thereon,  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meet- 
ing. 

The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esquire,  presented  A  Report  of 

the  Committee  for  Building  the  Work  House Which  was  Read, 

And  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  in  Town  Meeting 
Assembled,  On  Monday,  Mar.  10.  1739. 

We  the  Subscribers  being  a  Committee  Chosen  by  the  Town,  5, 
April,  1737,  for  Building  a  Work  House  at  the  upper  end  of  the 
Common,  Made  Report  of  Our  Doings  therein  to  the  Town  Meet- 
ing Assembled  27,  July,  last,  which  was  then  Accepted,  but  were 
not  then  able  to  Settle  the  Accounts  relating  to  it,  Which  have 
since  done,  and  now  tender  to  the  Town,  b}^  which  there  Appears 
a  deficiency  of  Three   Hundred   Seventy  Seven   Pounds   Eleven 

Shillings  and  Two  pence Notwithstanding  We  have  Obtained 

Subscriptions  to  the  Amount  of  Seven  Hundred  and  Twenty  Nine 
Pounds,  Since  the  first  Subscription  Offered  to  the  Town,  the  Cost 
of  the  House  rising  much  higher  than  the  best  Calculations  given 
in  to  Us. 

Edward  Hutchinson 
Jacob  Wendell 
James  Bowdoin 
Samuel  Sewall 
Andrew  Oliver 
Daniel  Henchman 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted  ;  And  that  the  Sum  of 
Three  Hundred  Seventy'  Seven  Pounds,  Eleven  Shillings  and  Two 
pence,  Which  still  remains  a  Ballance  due  to  the  said  Committee 
for  Building  the  Work  House,  As  Appears  by  the  Account  by  them 
exhibited,  And  is  what  the  Charge  of  said  House  amounted  to, 
Over  and  above  the  Subscriptions  of  Private  Persons  for  Erecting 
the  same,  [406.]  Be,  and  hereby  is  Allow'd  to  be  Paid  out  of 
the  Treasury  to  the  Said  Committee,  in  full  discharge  of  the  same. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen 
who  have  so  Generously  Subscribed  towards  the  Building  the  Work 
House 

And  also  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Committee  for  Building  the  same, 
for  their  great  Care,  and  Pains  taken  therein. 

The  Petition  of  John  Eaiie  and  Others  the  Masters  of  the  Fire 


Boston  To-s\'n  Records,  1739-40.  249 

Engines,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  Corapanj's,  Praying 
they  may  be  Exempted  from  serving  in  Other  Town  Offices  the 
year  ensuing,  for  Reasons  mentioned. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  bj'  many, 

Voted,  That  for  the  Encouragement  of  the  respective  Companj's 
belonging  to  the  several  Fire-Engines  in  this  Town,  And  to  stim- 
ulate them  to  their  Duty,  in  Extinguishing  of  Fires,  as  there  may 

be  Occasion There  be,  and  hereby  is  Aliow'd  to  be  Paid 

out  of  the  Town  Treasury,  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  to  the  Com- 
pany of  such  Fire  Engine,  as  shaJl  first  be  brought  to  work  upon 
an}'  House  or  other  Building  that  shall  be  on  fire. 

A  Petition  of  Samuel  Kneeland,  A  Prisoner  in  His  Majesty's 

Goal,  for  a  Debt  due  to  the  Town Pi'aying  the  Town  would 

please  to  forgive  the  Debt  for  which  he  is  there  detain'd,  for 
Reasons  therein  mentioned Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Petition  be  referr'd  to  the  Select  Men 

Who  are  hereb}^  Desired  to  make  Enquirj'  into  the  Circumstances 
of  the  Petitioner,  and  to  Report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment  of 
this  Meeting. 

[407.]     Mess"  Ezekiel  Needham       .         Pay      )^  ,, 

Andrew  Symmes        .         Sworn  j 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  the  Afternoon  At 
Three  O'Clock. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  Select  Men's  Report  of  their  Examination  of  Mr.  Francis 
Willoughby's  Account  of  the  Granary  for  the  3-ear  past,  and  Entred 
in  Mr.  Willoughby's  Book Read. 

Voted,  That  the  sai  I  Report  be  Accepted  :  And  that  Mr.  Wil- 
loughby  be  accordingly  further  accountat)le  for  Four  Flundred  and 
Ninety  Bushels  of  Indian  Corn,  and  One  Hundred  Fiftj'  two 
Bushels   of  Rie,  And   the    Sum   of   Five    Hundred   Seventy    five 

Pounds   Nine    Shillings    in    Bills   of   Credit the   whole   of 

which  Amounts  to  Eight  Hundred  Tliirty  Nine  Pounds,  Seventeen 
Shillings,  Which  remains  in  his  Hands ;  Exclusive  of  Mr. 
Willoughby's  Salary  for  the  year  past,  Viz'.  One  Hundred  Pounds, 
Which  is  hereby  also  aliow'd. 

Voted,  That  Mess".  Edward  Jackson 
John  Salter 
Jeremiah  Belknap 
be  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain  ;  Who  are  hereby  Impower'd 
to  give  all  needful  Directions  to  the  Master  of  the  Granary,  re- 
specting the  Quantities  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  setting  the  Price 
thereof,  from  time  to  time. 

A  Petition  of  Mess".  Andrew  and  Peter  Oliver,  for  Hiring  the 
Lands  on  Fort  Hill  not  within  Fence Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  said  Petition  be  referr'd  to 
the  Committee  Appointed  in  the  Forenoon  to  Enquire  into  the 
Towns  Rights  on  and  about  F'ort  Hill  —  Who  are  Desired  to  Con- 
sider the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  and    Report  What  they  shall 


250  City  Document  No.  66. 

think  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon,  at  the  Adjournment  of 
this  Meeting. 

[408.]  A  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Allen,  Master  of  the  South 
Writing  School,  Praying  for  some  Addition  to  his  Salar}',  for 
Reasons  therein  Mention'd  —  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  p  Annum  be,  and  hereby 
is  Added  to  Mr.  Samuel  Allen's  Salar}^  to  Commence  the  Twelfth 
of  March,  current. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  William  Salter,  Keeper  of  the  Powder  House 
in  Boston,  Praj'ing  for  some  Allowance  to  be  made  him  for  his 
Care  of  the  Towns  Stock  of  Powder  there,  for  reasons  mentioned 
—  Read. 

Voted  that  this  Petition  be  referr'd  to  the  Consideration  of  the 
Select  Men,  And  that  they  be  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town  at 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting,  What  they  may  think  proper  to 
be  done  thereon. 

A  Petition  of  Sundr}^  Inhabitants  for  Paving  Love  Street  — 
Read. 

Voted,  That  this  Petition  be  Referr'd  to  the  Select  men,  Who 
are  hereb}'  Desired  to  Estimate  the  Charge  of  the  Towns  part  of 
said  Paving,  And  to  Report  thereon,  at  the  Next  General  Town 
Meeting. 

A  Petition  of  John  Chambers,  and  Others,  Grave  Diggers,  pre- 
sented to  the  Select  Men,  Representing  that  the  Old  and  South 
Burying  Places,  are  so  fill'd  with  Dead  Bodies,  they  are  Obliged 

Oft  times  to  Bury  them  four  deep Praying  it  may  be  laid 

before  the  Town,  for  their  Consideration.     Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Affair  be  Referr'd  to  the 
Select  Men,  Who  are  Desired  to  Report  to  the  Town  at  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting,  What  they  may  think  proper  for  to  be  done 
thereon. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  appointed  the  Second  of  [409.] 
May  last  past,  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the 
year  past,  as  Entred  in  the  Treasurers  Book  —  Read  —  Accepted  — 
And 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be   (so  far)   accordingly  discharged. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  Pounds  be  Allowed,  and 
Paid  to  the  lion.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq',  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury,  for  his  good  Service  as  Town  Treasurer  the  year  past. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  Auditing 
the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  year  ensuing.     Viz'. 
The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq"". ") 
Joshua  Winslow  Esq''.  | 

Mr.  John  Wheelwright  }- Auditors. 

Mr.  Nathanael  Balston  I 

Mr.  Cornelius  Waldo  J 

Upon  the  Motion  made  by  Mr.  William  Torrey,  at  the  O'pening 

this    Meeting for   the   Town   to   Consider  of  some    effectual 

Method  to  prevent  frauds  in  the  Measure  of  Coal,  Sold    in  this 
Town 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to  give  it  in  Charge  to 
their  Officer,  whom  they  employ  to  inform  of  and  prosecute  the 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1739-40.  251 

Breaches  of  the  By-Laws  of  tins  Town  that  he  be  carefal  to  Inform 
against  and  Prosecute  All  such  as  he  shall  find  transgressing  the 
Laws  of  this  Province  in  this  Case  already  made  and  provided. 

Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  presented  An  Estimate  of  what  ma}' 
be  proper  to  be  raised  by  this  Town,  for  defraying  the  necessary 
Charges  of  the  Current  Year. 

Voted,  That  the  Granting  of  Money  for  defraying  the  Charges 
of  the  current  year,  be  referr'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meet- 
ing. 

Mr.  Jacob  Emmons  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market 
for  the  year  ensuing. Sworn. 

[410.]  Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Collectors 
of  Taxes  for  the  year  ensuing  ;  By  a  Hand  Vote. 

Accordingl}' 

Mess".  Jacob  Sheafe        \ 

John  Stani ford      /Collectors. 
John  Goldthwait  ' 
were  Chosen  to  serve  in  that  OflSce. 

Voted,  That  Twelve  pence  upon  the  Pound  be,  and  hereby  is 
allow'd  to  be  paid  to  the  several  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  this 

Town  for  the  j'ear  ensuing They  giving  Bond,  with  sufficient 

Suretj-s,  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Office,  to  the  Satisfac- 
tion of  the  Select  Men. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  "Mr.  Henry  Gibbs,  at  the  Opening  this 
Meeting  —  That  the  Town  would  Consider  of  some  Means  to 
prevent  frauds  in  the  Measure  of  Cord  AYood 

Voted,  That  there  be  a  Committee  Chosen,  Specially  to  Con- 
sider  this  Motion the   Causes   from    whence   the    Complaint, 

Arises And  "What  Method  may  be  taken  to  prevent  the  abuses 

complain'd  of — And  to  Report  thereon  to  the  Town,  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  consist  of  Five  Persons. 

Voted,  That  Mess".  Jeremiah  Green 
Eobert  Rand. 
John  Barrel 

Thomas  Jackson  Jun''.  Distiller 
William  Torrey 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Ends  aforesaid. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded 

Voted,  That  it  be  Recommended  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  this  Town,  to  Endeavor  (at  the  next  Session  of  the 
Great  and  General  Court)  to  bring  forward,  and  procure  a  Bill  to 
be  Pass'd  for  the  more  [411.]  Just  Admeasurement  of  Grain. 

Voted,  Tliat  tlie  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Town  Treas- 
urers Accounts  the  3'ear  ensuing,  be  also  a  Committee  to  Examin 
the  Overseers  Accounts  relating  to  the  Work  House,  And  to  Report 
thereon. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield,  from  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  pro- 
posal an  Alteration  to  be  made  in  the  By-Laws  for  regulating  the 

Work  House,  which  they  had  found  necessary Viz'.  To  alter 

the  time  of  their  Monthlj'  Meeting,  from  the  Third  Tuesday-,  to  the 
first  Wednesday  in  every  Month.     Accordingly 


252  City  Document  No.  66. 

The  Question  being  put,  Whether  the  said  Alteration  shall  be 
made  in  the  By-Laws  for  regulating  the  Work  House  ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Tuesday  the  Eighth 
Day  of  April  next,  at  Three  O'Clock  After-Noon. 

Tuesday,  April,  8th.  1740. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

Mess".  Stephen  Winter  Sworn  "^  p 

Jabez  Hatch,  Excus'd  (      hi       " 

Samuel  Sprague  Belongs  to  an  Engine.  ) 

were  chosen  Constables 

Mr.  Josiah  Waters,  was  Chosen  Constable.     Sworn. 
Mess".  Ephraim  Wheeler,       Sworn   ] 

Nathanael  Thayer,  >■  Clerks  of  the  Market 

Ebenezer  Messenger,  Sworn.  ) 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market. 

Mr.  Moses  Eayres  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Fence  Viewers. 
[413.]     The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  Petition  of  Mr. 
William  Salter,  Keeper  of  the  Powder  House  Presented,  — —  Read, 
as  follows,  viz'. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled, 
the  8th.  of  April,  1740. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  upon  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Salter,  Keeper  of  the  Powder  House Praying  for  some 

Allowance  to  be  made  him  for  his  Care  of  the  Towns  Stock  of 

Powder  there 

We  the  Subscribers,  to  whom  the  Consideration  of  said  Petition 
was  referr'd  having  had  Discourse  with  the  Petitioner  and  con- 
sidered his  Service Are  of  Opinion,  that  it  is  adviseable  to 

Allow  the  Petitioner  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Pounds  in  full  for  his  said 
Service,  for  the  time  past. 
All  which  is  Submitted,  &c. 

By,  John  Jeffries  ^ 

Caleb  Lyman  !     Select 

Jonas  Clarke  |     Men. 

MlDDLECOTT  CoOKE  j 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  the  Petition  of  Sundry  In- 
habitants, for  the  Paving  of  Love  Street Read,  as   follows. 

Viz'. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled, 
the  8th.  April,  1740. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  on  the  Petition  of  Sundry 
Inhabitants  for  Paving  Love  Street 

We  the  Subscribers,  to  whom  the  same  was  referr'd  Are  of 
Opinion,  That  the  Paving  of  it  is  necessary  Otherwise  the  Town 
must  be  at  a  Great  Charge  in  Gravelling  and  Repairing  the  same  : 

That  the  whole  Contains  near  Six  Hundred  and  Ninety  Square 

yards  [413.]  That,  if  the  Abutters  will  Engage  and  Oblige  them- 
selves to  Pay  two  Third  parts  of  the  Cost  of  Paving  said  Street, 
that  it  may  be  Adviseable  for  the  Town  to  pay  the  other  third. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1740.        253 

All  Tvhich  is  Submitted 

B}',  John  Jeffries  "] 

Caleb  Lyman  I 

Jonas  Clarke  [  Select  Men 

MiDDLECOTT  CoOKE  J 

Voted,  Tiiat  this  Report  be  Accepted And  that  the  Select 

Men  do  accordingly   take   care   for   the   Paving  the  Towns  part 

thereof Provided  the  Petitioners  or  Abutters,  Or  some  of  them, 

become  Obliged  to  the  Select  Men,  to  their  Satisfaction,  Jointly 

and  Severally  for  Defraying  the  other  two  third  parts  thereof 

The  said  Work  to  be  performed  according  to  the  Direction  of  the 
Select  Men. 

The  Select  Mens  Report  on  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Kneeland 
Read,  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town  Meeting  Assembled, 
the  8tb.  April,  1740. 

Pursuant  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  upon  the  Petition  of  Samuel 
Kneeland 

We  the  Subscribers  have  attended  the  Service  Desired  of  Us • 


Have  seen  Mr.  Kneeland  the    Petitioner,  and  his   Father  who  is 
Suret}'  for  the  Debt And  are  of  Opinion, 

That  Sufficient  Estate  can  be  found  to  satisfy  it ;  And  that  this 
Affair  has  been  carried  on  with  so  much  Obstinacy,  on  their  part, 
that  they  do  not  deserve  the  Compassion  of  the  Town  ;  but,  that 
they  ought  by  all  lawful  ways  to  be  Compell'd  to  Discharge  the 
Debt. 

All  which  is  Submitted,  &G. 
By 

John  Jeffries         ") 

Caleb  Lyman  I  Select  Men. 

Jonas  Clarke  { 

MiDDLECOT  Cooke  J 

[414.]  [A  Memorial  of  the  said  Kneeland  presented  this 
Day,  was,  by  leave  of  the  Inhabitants, Read] 

After  some  Debate, 

The  Question  was  pat,  Viz*. 

Whether  the  Report  of  the  Select  Men  be  Accepted  ? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative.  '  A.nd, 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  and  Seconded  b}^  many  — 

The  Question  was  put.  Whether  it  be  the  Mind  of  the  Town  tbet 
tlie  Petitioner  Samuel  Kneeland,  A  Prisoner  in  his  Majesty's  Goal, 
Upon  the  Suit  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  be  freely  and  fully  Released 
and  Discharged  from  his  said  Debt  due  to  the  Town? 

Voted,  in  the  Affirmative  —  and  that  the  said  Kneeland  be  ac- 
cordingly Released. 

Mr.  Stephen  Rogers  was  Chosen  Constable.     Sworn. 

Samuel  Adams  Esq^  from  the  Committee  appointed  to  Enquire 
into  the  Towns  Rights  on  and  about  Fort  Hill,  and  on  the  Petition 
of  Messieurs  Andrew  and  Peter  Oliver,  Reported  thereon  —  Which 
was  Read,  and  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Pin-suant,  to  the  aforewritten  Votes  —  We  the  Subscribers  have 
been  upon,  and  carefully  Viewed  the  Battery  Ground  at  the  foot 


254  City  Document  No.  66. 

of  Fort  Hill  so  called,  And  find  that  the  Southeast  end  thereof  is 
greatly  Encroached  upon  and  encurabred  with  Buildings,  Wharves 
Timber  and  Lumber  where  the  Guns  of  the  Battery  now  lye,  and 
M^iere  the  Guns  were  formerl_y  Planted  for  the  Defence  and  Safet}' 
of  this  Town  and  the  Inhabitants  thereof — And  tliat  the  Northerly 
pari  of  the  said  Battery  Ground  is  also  Incroached  upon  and  in- 
cumbred  by  Ship  Timber  and  Plank  lying  there.  And  upon  a 
Careful  Survey  of  the  Land  upon  and  around  the  said  Hill,  We 
find  Several  Encroachments  made  by  Inclosures  on  the  Northerly 
Side  thereof.  Which  was,  Time  out  of  [415.]  Mind,  Enjoyed  and 
laid  Open  for  the  Towns  use,  and  that  the  said  Inclosures  on  the 
Hill  have  been  made  within  Twenty  Years  past,  or  thereabouts, 
And  also  that  the  Towns  Land  Reserved  on  the  Easterly  side  of 

the  Hill  for  the  Townse,  is  Inclosed  and  Fenced   in. All 

which  Encroachments  are  a  Great  wrong  and  Injury  to  this  Town. 
And  We  are  of  Opinion,  That  the  Town  has  a  Right  to  Seventy 
five  feet  of  the  Sea-wall  or  Wharf  before  the  Town,  Adjoining 
to  the  Battery  Ground. 

And  We  are  also  of  Opinion,  that,  for  the  Town  to  Lease  out 
the  Land  upon  and  around  the  said  Hill,  as  is  propos'd  by  Mess". 
Olivers  Petition,  would  be  Stripping  of  the  Town  and  the  Inhabi- 
tants thereof,  of  One  of  the  most  Valuable  Accommodations  they 
now  have  ;  Nature  having  so  framed  the  said  Hill,  that  from  it 
You  have  many  fair  Prospects,  and  the  health  of  the  Inhabitants 
refresh'd  by  a  fine  Air  from  thence  in  their  Walking  and  Disporting  ; 
And  that  the  same  is  very  Convenient  for  Military  Musters  when 
it  shall  be  found  Necessar}'. 

And  We  are  Unanimousl}^  of  Opinion,  That  it  would  be  very 
prejudicial  and  Injurious  to  the  Town  and  Inhabitants  thereof  to 
Make  a  Lease  or  Leases,  as  is  proposed  :  And,  That  it  highly 
Concerns  the  Town  Speedily  to  Remove  all  the  Encroachments 
made  on  the  Batter}'  Ground,  and  Fort  Hill  aforesaid. 
All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  b}' 

Samuel  Adams  "^ 
Jos.  Marion       | 
Apr.  8.  1740.  Robert  Rand      y  Committee 

Shem    Drowne    I 
JoN"*^.  Williams  J 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted.     And 

Upon  that  part  of  the  said  Report  which  respects  the  Battery 
Ground,  particularly. 

[416.]  Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  and  appointed  to 
Wait  upon  the  Captain  General,  Requesting  His  Excellency,  if  he 
please,  to  give  His  Orders  for  the  Removal  ot  such  Encumbrances 
as  are  lying  on  the  Battery  Ground  near  Fort  Hill ;  that  so  the 
Great  Artillery  and  Warlike  Stores  may  be  preserved,  and  put  into 
a  proper  Condition  for  immediate  Service,  when  Occasion  shall 
call  for  it. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  the  Committee  to  Wait  upon  the 
Captain  General  as  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee  to  Enquire  into 
the  Towns  Rights  On  and  about  Fort  Hill,  Viz'.  Samuel  Adams 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1740.  255 

Esq".  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  Mr.  Robert  Rand,  Mr.  Shem  Drowne, 
and  Mr.  Jonathan  •^Yilliams  be  Joined  with  the  Select  Men,  in 
Waiting  upon  the  Captain  General. 

Upon  that  part  of  the  said  Report  respecting  Other  af  the 
Towns  Rights  on  and  about  Fort  Hill. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  and  Impowred  to  Eject  off, 
and  Prosecute  in  the  Law,  to  Effect,  Such  Person  or  Persons  as 
sliall  be  found  Trespassers,  and  have  made  Encroachments  on  the 
Towns  Right  in  the  Lands  on  and  about  Fort  Hill. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  a  Committee  for  that  End  • — 
And  the  Gentlemen  the  Committee  for  Enquiring  into  the  Towns 
Rights  on  and  about  Fort  Hill  are  hereby  Desired  to  give  the 
Select  Men,  All  the  Light  they  can  in  the  Affair. 

Mr.  Jeremy  Green  from  the  Committee  appointed  to  Consider 
of  some  Method  to  prevent  Frauds  in  the  Measure  of  Cord  wood, 
presented  their  Report,  as  follows,  Viz*. 

In  Pursuance  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  [417.]  Boston,  di- 
rected to  Us  the  Subscribers,  a  Committee  to  consider  the  Causes, 
and  methods  that  may  be  taken  to  prevent  the  abuses  and  frauds, 
in  the  Measure  of  Cord-Wood — Having  duly  considered  the  same, 
Do  Report  thereon,  as  folio weth.     Viz. 

1.  That  the  Cord- Wood  of  this  Town  is  cut  too  short,  and  es- 
pecially the  largest  part  of  the  Wood. 

2.  Tliat  the  Cord-Wood  of  the  Town  is  not  close  Stowed,  and 
laid  together  when  Corded,  as  the  Law  expressly  directs  it  should 
be  ;  B}'  Means  wl^ereof  the  Buyer  is  greatly  Injured,  for  want  of 
his  Measure. 

To  Prevent  which 

That  there  be  a  Sufficient  Number  of  Sealers  or  Measurers  of 
Cord-Wood,  approved  off  by  the  Select  Men,  and  under  Oath,  to 
Prosecute  all  such  Person  and  Persons  whatsoever,  as  shall  presume 
or  attempt  to  cart  or  carry  away  an}'  Cord-Wood  from  an}'  Wharf, 
before  he  has  duly  Corded,  and  Sealed  the  same. 

That  Such  Persons,  who  shall  be  so  appointed  by  the  Select 
Men,  be  Inhabiters  near  unto  such  Wharves,  As  they  shall  be 
Obliged  to  attend  ;  And  but  One  Person  to  be  Stationed  to  One 
Wharf,  Except  where  two  or  more  Wharves  lye  Adjoining  and 
Contiguous. 

That  the  Select  Men  furnish  Such  Sealers  or  Measurers  with  a 
Table,  directing  them  that  where  any  Cord- Wood  be  wanting  in 
length,  the  same  be  made  up  in  heighth,  proportionably. 

And  Further,  That  Each  Sealer  or  Measurer  Shall  have  Four 
Pence  p  Cord  allowed  them,  As  an  Encouragement,  and  in  full 
Satisfaction  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  the  Matters 
aforesaid. 

All  Which  is  Submitted, 

Jeremy  Green 
Robert  Rand 
John  Darrell 
Thomas  Jackson  Jdn^. 
William  Torrey. 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  And,   [418.]  That  the 


256  CiTT  Document  No.  66. 

Select  Men  be  Desired  to  Act  in  conformity  thereto,  in  Appoint- 
ing a  Sufficient  Number  of  Prudent  and  Discreet  Persons  fur 
Sealers  of  Cord-Wood,  to  be  nnder  Oath  for  the  faithful  Discharge 
of  their  Trust,  And  that  they  would  Assign  to  Each  of  said  Sealers 
their  distinct  and  proper  Stations  :  And  also,  that  meet  Persons 
may  be  Encouraged  to  Undertake  the  Business,  the  Select  Men 
are  Desired  to  raise  their  allowance  to  Four  pence  p  Cord. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  relating  to  the  Disposition  of  the 
Moneys  arising  from  the  Sale  of  Three  Tracts  of  Lands,  Granted 
by  the  General  Court,  Read,  again.     And  is  as  follows.  Viz*. 

Boston  10.  March,  1739. 

"We  the  Subscribers,  Select  Men  of  the  Town  of  Boston  being 

appointed  by  said  Town  A  Committee  to  Consider  How,  and  to 

what  Use  the  Money  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  Three  Tracts  of 

Land  Granted  to  the  Town  by  the  General  Court  may  be  applied 

most  for  our  benefit Are  of  Opinion;  That,  considering  the 

present  Circumstances  of  the  Province,  the  said  Money  cannot  be 
disposed  of  for  a  better  or  more  necessary  purpose  than  the  Re- 
pairing   Our   North  and  South    Batterys,  or  Raising    such    other 

VVorIvS  of  Fortification  as  the  Town  shall  Judge  necessary 

Hoping,  tliat  as  this  is  the  principal  Frontier  of  the  Province, 
And  the  Fortifying   the  same  must   be  of  Public  and  Universal 

Benefit that   therefore,  in    convenient   Time    the   Town    will 

be  reimbursed  any  Sum  or  Sums  they  shall  Expend  for  that 
Service. 

Which  is  Humbly  Submitted,  by. 
Jonathan  Armitage") 
Caleb  Lyman  | 

Alexander  Forsyth  !     Select 
Jonas  Clarke  j     Men. 

Tho.  Hutchinson       J 
[419.]     Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Report,  as  also, 
the  State  of  the  North  and  South  Batterys,  be  further  referr'd  to 
the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified,  and  lawfully  Warned,  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  on  Wednesday  the  Seventh  of  May,  1740. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Mather. 

The  Precept,  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  Read 

Sundry  Laws, Read 

The  Hon.  John  Jeff'ries  Esq^  One  of  the  Select  Men,  in  their 
Name,  Propos'd  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled,  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Person  or  Persons  to  serve  for,  and  Represent  them, 
in  a  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  Held  at  Boston, 

the  28th.  of  May  current And  in  Order  thereto,  to  Consider 

and  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  so  to  be  Elected. 

Accordingly 

Voted,  To  Proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 

The  Votes  being  collected,  the  Number  of  Voters  was  found  to 
be,  Four  Hundred  and  Eighteen. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1740.  257 

And  Upon  sorting  the  Votes,  it  Appear'd  there  were  Three  Gen- 
tlemen Chosen  by  the  Major  part  of  the  Votes  Viz'. 

No.  of  Votes. 

Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Jun' 408 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  .         .         .         .         .         .         371 

Mr.  James  Allen 213 

Upon   a  Motion   made,  and   Seconded,  for   proceeding  to  the 

Choice  of  One  Representative 'The  Question   was   put,    Viz'. 

Whether  the  Town  would  immediately  proceed  to  the  said  Choice. 
[420.]     It  Passed  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  the  Afternoon,  at 
Three  O'Clock. 

Afternoon,  The  Inhabitants  being  again  Assembled,  They  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Choice  of  One  Representative. 

The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected,  the  Number  of  Voters 
were  found  to  be  Five  Hundred  and  Seven. 

Upon  Sorting  the  Votes,  It  appear'd that 

Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  was  Chosen  by  a  Major  part  of  the 
Votes.     Number  of  Votes,  273. 

The  Election   of  Representatives  being   ended,  and   the   same 

Declared   by  the   Select  Men, The   Town   proceeded  to  the 

Choice  of  a  Moderator,  b}'  a  Hand  Vote.     Accordingly, 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  Jun''.  was  Chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing. 

Sundry  Petitions Read, 

Viz'. 

Of  Sundr3'  Inhabitants  for  leave  to  enclose  with  a  Fence,  a 
small  part  of  the  Top  of  Fort  Hill,  for  a  Bowling  Green. 

Of    Mr.    Samuel   Floyd,    Collector   of    Taxes    in   Rumney 
Marsh,  in  the  j^ear  1738,  late  within  the  Township  of  Boston. 
Of  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks,  Usher  of  the  North  Writing  School, 
for  Enlarging  his  Salary. 

Of  Sundr3'  Inhabitants,  for  Placing  a  Fire  Engine  at  the 
Westerly  part  of  Boston. 

Of  Mess".  Jacob  Sheafe  and  John  Goldthwait,  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  for  the  Year  1739. 

Mr.  Isaac  Winslow  was  Chosen  One  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Market 
for  the  Year  ensuing.     Excus'd. 

[431.]     Mr.  William  Cowel  was  Chosen  to  Serve  as  A  Clerk 

of  the  Market Sworn. 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Eight  Thousand  Six  Hundred  Pounds,  to  be 
raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls,  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston, 
for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  Defraying  other  necessary  Charges 
arising  within  and  for  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Leave  to  Enclose  with  a 
Fence,  a  small  part  of  the  Top  of  Fort  Hill,  for  a  Bowling  Green 

Read, 

And  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

The  Question  was  put.  Whether  it  be  the  mind  of  the  Town, 
that  any  part  of  Fort  Hill  should  be  Leased  out  to  the  Petitioners, 
for  a  Bowling  Green,  Upon  the  Terms  in  the  Petition  proposed? 
It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 
The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Floyd  Collector  of  the  Taxes  in  the 


258  City  Document  No.  66. 

District  of  Rumney  Marsh,  in  the  year  1738.  Praying  that  the 
Assessors  may  be  Inipowered  to  make  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of 
Sundry  Persons  named  in  his  said  Petition,  amounting  to  the  Sum 
of  Nine  Pounds,  Nine  Shillings  and  On3  Penny,  for  Reasons  men- 
tioned, Read 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioner  be  so  far  Granted,  As 
that  the  Assessors  be,  and  hereby  are  Impowered  to  make  such 
Abatements  to  the  Petitioner,  as  they  shall  Judge  Just  and  rea- 
sonable. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  for  Placing  A  Fire  Engine  at 
the  Westerly  part  of  Boston,  for  Reasons  therein  mentioned  ^— — 
Read. 

After  some  Debate  thereon, 

The  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Consideration  of  this  Peti- 
tion shall  be  Referr'd  to  a  Committee? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  a  Committee  for  this  [433.] 
End,  Who  are  Desired  to  Act  and  do  thereon,  as  they  shall  think 
most  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks,  Usher  of  the  North  Writing 
School,  Praying  for  some  Addition  to  his  Salary,  for  Reasons 
mentioned,     Read. 

After  some  Debate  the  Question  was  put, 
Whether  any  Addition  should  be  made  to  Mr.  Hicks's  Salary  in 
answer  to  his  Petition. 

It  pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Jacob  Sheafe  and  Others,  Collectors  of  Taxes 
for  the  year,  1739,  Praying  that  the  Assessors  may  be  Allow'd  to 
sit  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  October  next  for  the 
Reasons  therein  mentioned  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Pra5-er  of  the  Petitioners  be  so  far  Granted,  As 
that  the  Assessors  be,  and  hereby  are  allow'd  and  Impowered  to 
sit  upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  September  next  ensuing, 
and  no  longer. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned,  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  the  Town  House,  Monday,  the  14th  July, 
A.D.  1740. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  Junior  was  Chosen  Moderator  Unani- 
mously. 

The  Laws  relating  to  the  Qualifications  of  Voters  in  Town  Affairs 
Read. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  for  Calling  the  Meeting 
Read. 


[433.]  The  Petition  of  John  Hooker  and  Abia  Holbrook,  to 
be  admitted  Grave  Diggers Read. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Mess".  Jonathan  Williams  and  Shem 
Drowne,  that  the  Affair  of  the  Fortifications  in  this  Town  might 
be  brought  under  Consideration  at  this  Meeting. 


Boston   Towt^  Records,  1740.  259 

A  Great  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  being  Assembled  A  Motion 
was  made  and  seconded  by  man}',  And  thereupon. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  the  Pubhcli  Meeting 

House  in  Brattle  Street,  there  to  Meet  forthwith And   that 

wiiatsoever  Damage  may  happen  to  be  done  to  the  Pews,  Seats  &c. 
by  means  thereof  be  repair'd  at  the  charge  of  the  Town. 

The  Inhabitants  being  Assembled  at  the  Meeting  House  in 
Brattle  Street  according  to  Adjournment, 

The  Laws  respecting  the  Qualifications  of  Voters,  Read  again, 
and  a  Debate  had  thereon. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants Read  again  and  is  as 

follows.  Viz'. 

To  the  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esquire,  and  the  other 
Select  Men  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 

Whereas  in  the  Year  1734,  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  (among  other  things)  Voted  and  Ordered  a 
Place  on  the  Town's  Ground  on  the  Town  Dock,  Called  Dock 
Square  to  be  Assigned  for  a  Market  Place,  and  the  Court  of  Gen- 
eral Sessions  of  the  Peace  in  April,  1734,  Allowed  and  Approved 
thereof,  and  a  convenient  Building  was  Erected  on  the  said  Ground, 
which  was  Improved  some  time  for  a  public  Mnrket  place,  to  the 

Satisfaction  of  a  great  Number  of  the  Inhabitants But  so  it 

has  hapned,  that  the  said  Building,  for  some  Years  past  has  been 
[434.]  Demolished  and  pulled  down,  and  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
baid  Town  have  had  no  certain  Place  for  Buyer  and  Seller  to  meet 
at,  which  forces  People  to  go  out  upon  the  Neck,  and  spend  a 
great  part  of  the  Day  in  providing  Necessarys  for  their  Families, 
to  the  great  hinderance  of  Business,  and  Loss  and  Damage  of  the 
Town. 

And  Whereas  We  are  Informed  that  Peter  Faneuil  of  Boston 
Esquire  hath  been  Generally  pleased  to  Offer,  at  his  Own  proper 
Cost  and  Charge,  to  Erect  and  Build  a  noble  and  compleat  Struct- 
ure or  Edifice  to  be  Improved  for  a  Market,  for  the  sole  Use,  Ben- 
efit and  advantage  of  tlie  Town,  Provided  that  the  Town  of  Boston 
would  pass  a  Vote  for  that  purpose,  and  lay  the  same  under  Such 
proper  Regulations  as  Shall  be  thought  necessar}^,  and  constantly 

hupport  it  for  the  said  Use Which  Generous  Offer,  We  the 

Subscribers  thought  proper  to  Communicate  to  You,  Desiring  that 
a  Town  Meeting  may  be  Warned  to  Assemble,  as  soon  as  may  be, 
to  know  the  Mind  of  the  Town,  Whether  the  Inhabitants  will 
Accept  of  the  said  Building  proposed?  Which,  As  We  conceive 
will  tend  greatly  to  the  Good  and  Benefit  of  the  said  Town.  And 
We  the  said  Subscribers  would  Humbly  propose,  that  Notwith- 
standing the  said  Building  should  be  Encouraged,  and  coine  to 
Effect,  Yet  that  the  Market  People  should  be  at  Liberty  to  carry 
their  Marketing  wheresoever  they  pleased  about  the  Town,  in 
Order  to  dispose  of  the  same. 
Boston  July  2"'i.  1740. 

Signed,  Thomas  Palmkr 

Edward  Hutchinson 
John  Osborne,  and 
Others,  to  the  Number  of  Three  Hundred  and  Fort3\ 


260  City  Document  No.   66. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  and  Seconded  by  man}', 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  Peter  Faneuil 
Esqnive,  for  his  Generous  Offer. 

[435.]  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  the  After- 
noon, at  Three  O'Clock. 

Afternoon,  The  Inhabitants  Assembled 


After  considerable  Debate  upon  the  Subject  matter  of  the  Peti- 
tion of  Sundry  Inhabitants  And  the  Proposal  of  Peter 

Faneuil  Esquire,  for  Erecting  a  Market,  as  therein  mentioned 
A  Motion  was  made  and  Seconded  by  many.  And  accord- 
ingly, 

The  Question  was  put,  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  will  now  pro- 
ceed to  Determine  by  a  Vote  —  Whether  they  will  Accept  the  Offer 
or  Proposal  of  Peter  Faneuil  Esquire,  of  Erecting  a  Market  House 
in  Dock  Square,  at  his  own  cost  and  charge.  Agreeable  to  the  Pe- 
tition presented,  and  Read  in  the  Morning? 
It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded, 

A  Question  was  put.  Viz'.  Whether  Every  Person  Offering  his 
Vote  in  this  Affair  should  write  his  Name  thereon? 

It  Pass'd  in  the  Negative. 

Then  the  Inhabitants  were  Desired  to  prepare  their  Votes  in 
writing,  either  Yea  or  Na}' ;  and  to  bring  and  Offer  them  at  One 

of  the  Doors  of  the  House And  the  Assessors  were  directed 

to  attend  there  with  their  Lists  of  Valuation  of  Estates  and  Facultys, 
that  so  None  might  be  allow'd  to  Vote  in  the  Affair,   Excepting 

such  as  were  Qualified  according  to  Law And  it  was  also 

Declared,  That  it  is  determined  by  the  present  Meeting,  to  be  the 
Sense  of  the  Law,  That  No  Person  is  Qualified  to  Vote  in  Town 
Atfairs,  but  such  as  were  Rated  in  the  last  Tax  Two  Shillings  and 
One  penny  New  Tenor,  Or  Six  Shillings  and  three  pence  Old 
Tenor,  to  the  Province  Tax,  for  his  Personal  Estate  and  Faculty', 
including  Rents  if  they  be  his  Own. 

[436,]  The  Votes  being  Accordingly  Collected  it  Appear'd, 
the  Number  of  Voters  was   ......         727. 

Upon  sorting  the  Votes,  and  Numbering  them.  It  was  found,  the 
Number  of  Yea's  were         ......         367. 

and  the  Number  of  Nay's  were    .....         3fi0. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be,  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  wait 
upon  Peter  Faneuil  Esquire,  and  to  Present  the  Thanks  of  this  Town 
to  Him,  As  Voted  in  the  Forenoon  :  And  also  to  Acquaint  Him,  that 
the  Town  have,  by  their  Vote,  come  to  a  Resolution  to  Accept  of 
his  Generous  Offer  of  Erecting  a  Market  House  on  Dock  Square, 
according  to  his  Proposal. 

Voted,  That  the  Other  Affairs  lying  before  this   Meeting,  be 
referr'd  for  Consideration,  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned,  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  at  the  Town  House,  On  Tuesday  the  25th.  of 
November,  1740. 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1740.  261 

Prayer  being  made  b}-  the  Reverend  Mr.  Mather  Bj^les, 

A  Precept  under  the  Hand  and  Seal  of  the  Honourable  John 
QuincY  Esquire,  Speaker  of  the  Honourable  House  of  Representa- 
tives, Directed  to  the  Select  Men,  Requiring  tliem  to  Assemble  the 
Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants,  to  make  Choice  of,  and  Depute 
(if  they  See  cause)  A  Person  to  serve  for,  and  Represent  them  in 
the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly,  now  convened,  held, 
and  kept  at  the  Court  House  in  Boston,  for  his  Majest^-'s  Service  ; 
In  the  Room  of  Thomas  Hutchinson  [437.]  Esquire,  who  is 
Sail'd  for  Great  Britain  ;  Together  with  the  Warrant  for  Calling 
the  Meeting,     Read. 

The  Question  was  put.  Viz'.  Whether  the  Town  would  proceed 
to  the  Choice  of  a  Person  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  them  in  the 
Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  now  sitting,  in  the  Room  of 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Esquire? 

It  Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Then  the  Laws  respecting  the  Power  of  the  Select  Men  to  give 
Directions  for  the  regular  and  orderly  carrying  on  the  Meetings  for 
the  Choice  of  Representatives,  as  also  the  JParagraph  in  the  Charter 
respecting  the  same  were  Read. 

It  was  then  propos'd  to  the  Town,  as  follows,  Viz'. 

That  if  any  Person  or  Persons  Offering  their  Vote  in  the  present 
Election  should  happen  to  be  Objected  to,  as  unqualified  therefor 

He  or  they  should  have  Liberty,  after  the  Votes  are  Collected, 

to  make  good  his  or  their  Claim  to  that  Privilege According 

to  Law. 

The  Town  proceeded  accordingly  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  One 

Representative which    being     collected    and    Number'd 

the  Number  of  Voters  was  found  to  be  Four  Hundred  and 
Fourteen. 

Upon  sorting  the  Votes,  it  appear'd  that  Mr.  Timothy  Prout  was 
Chosen,  b}'  a  Majority  of  Votes.  Viz'.  Two  Hundred  and  Thirty 
four  Votes. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[428.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  dul}'  Qualified,  and  lawfully  Warned, 
in  Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  the  Town  House,  on  Mon- 
day the  Ninih  of  March,  A.D.  1740. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Mather  Byles. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Town  then  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator,  and 
the  Votes  being  Accordingly  Collected,  it  Appear'd  that  Mr. 
Thomas  Cushing,  was  Chosen  by  a  Majority  of  Votes. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

Samuel  Gerrish  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing, 
nid  Sworn. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Town  that  the  said  Samuel  Gerrish 
is  detained  by  Indisposition  ; 

Voted,  That  Samuel  Gerrish  Jun^  Officiate  as  Town  Clerk  p'O 
Tempore,  who  was  Accordingl}'  Sworn. 

Sundry  Petitions,  Reports  and  Motions Viz'. 


262  CiTT  Document  No.  66. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford,  relating  to  the   Building  a 

Bridge  over  Charles  River Read. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  relatmg  to  Shooting  Pidgeons 

Read. 

A  Petition  of  the  Masters  of  the  Fire  Engines Read. 

A  Petition  of   Mr.  Edward   Gvay,  and   others,  about  Bartons 

Rope  Walk Read. 

A  Petition  of  Mess".  John  Morey  and  John  Walley,  Coroners, 

for  Allowance  for  past  Services Read. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Zechariah  Hicks,  for  Addition  to  liis  Salary 

as  Usher  of  the  North  Writing  School.  Read. 

A  Petition  of  Thomas  Moulin  &c.  Grave  Diggers Read. 

A  Petition  of  John  Hooker  &c.  to  be  Admitted  Grave  Diggers 

Read. 

A  Report  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 

Schools Read. 

A  Motion  made  by  the  Select  Men,  for  impowering  them, 
[4^9.]  Or  their  Successors  to  Lease  out  the  Towns  Land  near 
the  North  Battery,  and  on  the  Neck  ;  a  former  Vote  of  this  Town 
for  giving  Twelve  Months  Notice  thereof,  Notwithstanding. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  made  a  Motion  relating  to  the  Incon- 
venience of  Ice  and  Snow,  lying  in  the  Streets  of  Boston  in  the 
Winter  Season,  whereby  the  passing  and  repassing  is  render'd 
dangerous. 

Capt.  Nathanael  Cunningham  made  a  Motion  about  Paying  the 
Representatives  out  of  the  Town  Treasury. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Belknap  made  a  Motion  that  the  Granary  should 
be  kept  Open,  four  Days  in  a  Week. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  made  a  Motion,  that  a  Plan  be  taken  of 
the  Town  Lands  on  or  near  Fort  hill,  and  the  Town  Rights  in 
general,  and  lodg'd  in  the  Town  Clerk's  Office. 

Mr.  Shem  Drowne  made  a  Motion,,  respecting  the  Repairing  the 
Batterys  of  the  Town  and  enquiring  into  the  State  of  tlie  Guns. 

Major  John  Hill  made  a  Motion,  that  ihe  Town  would  take  into 
Consideration,  some  Method  for  the  more  effectual  just  admeasure- 
ment of  Cord  Wood. 

Mr.  William  Greenleaf  made  a  Motion,  that  the  Fire  Wards  be 

excus'd  from  other  Dntys. 

Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Officers  &c. 
Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Select  Men, 
The  Votes  being  Accordingly  Collected  and  Sorted,  it  Appear'd 
that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  that  Office  for  the 
Year  ensuing.     Viz'. 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq"". 
Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth. 
-  Caleb  Lj-man  Esq"". 

Jonas  Clarke  Esq'.  }  Select-Men. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock 
Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 
Capt.  John  Steel 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'd  to  Three  O'Clock,  this 
Afternoon. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1740-41. 


263 


>■  Overseers  of  Poor. 


[430.]    Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
for  the  year  ensuing,     Viz'. 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq^    ' 
William  Tyler  Esq'. 
Capt.  Jeffor}'  Bedgood 
Major  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq'. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esq'. 
Joshua  Cheever  Esq'. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Capt.  William  Dowue 
Mr.  Samuel  Hunt 
Andrew  Oliver  Esq'. 
Mr.  Isaac  White 
Voted,  to  Chuse  Twelve  Constables  distinct  from  the  Collectors 

of  Taxes.     Accordingly 

Mess''. Peter  Cade  Pay 

Benjamin  Green,  (Merchant,)  Pay 
William  Patten     Belongs  to  the  Life  Guard 
Samuel  Allen,  (Shopkeeper)   Pay 
George  Ledain  Excused 

William  Cowell  Excus'd 

Edward  Tuttle  Paid  in,  1728 

Henry  Wethered  Sworn 

Francis  Johonnot  Excus'd 

John  Barrell  Pay 

Thomas  Speakman  Excus'd 

Thomas  Lambert  Excus'd 

were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Freeholders  of  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  a  Register  of  Deeds  &c.  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  which  being 
Collected  were,  according  to  Law,  Sealed  up  by  Constable  Andrew 
Symmes  by  him  to  be  kept,  and  returned  to  the  next  Quarter  Ses- 
sions to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

[431,]  Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for 
a  County  Treasurer  which  being  Collected  were,  according  to  Law 
Sealed  up  by  Constable  Andrew  Symmes  by  him  to  be  kept,  a'nd 
returned  to  the  next  Quarter  Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of 
Suffolk. 

Excus'd 
Sworn 
Sworn 
Excus'd 
Paid  in  1738 


Constables. 


)>  Constables 


Mess'\  John  Dabney  Jun'. 

John  Davis 

John  Tucker 

Ephraim  Wheeler 

Caleb  Richardson 

James  Clough    Belongs  to  the  Life  Guard. 

Sendall  Williams          Sworn 

James  Monk  Pay 

John  Woodhouse  Pay. 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  to  come  to  the  Choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer,  To  Morrow 
at  Eleven  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 


264  City  Document  JSTo.  66. 

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  at  the  Opening 
this  meeting,  being  bro't  under  Consideration  —  After  a  Debate 
thereon, 

Voted,  that  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  prepare  a  Bj'-Law  to 
present  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  for  Impowering  the 
Scavengers  to  Oblige  the  Inhabitants  to  remove  the  Ice  and  Snow 
from  before  their  Houses  &c.  whereby  passing  and  repassing  in 
the  Streets  in  the  Winter,  is  many  times  Obstructed  and  rendered 
dangerous. 

Upon  the  Motion  of  tlie  Select  Men,  as  Entred  at  the  Opening 
this  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  and  are  hereby  Impowered 
to  Lease  out  the  Towns  Land  near  the  North  Battery,  and  the 
Marsh  on  the  Neck,  to  such  Persons,  at  such  Rents,  and  for  such 
time  as  they  shall  think  most  for  the  Towns  Interest  and  advan- 
tage, not  exceeding  Seven  Years  ;  the  Town  Vote  and  Order  made 
and  passed  the  Thirteenth  of  March,  1732,  to  the  Contrary  hereof 
Notwithstanding. 

[4:32o]  After  a  Debate  on  the  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jonathan 
Williams  at  the  beginning  of  the  Meeting,  respecting  the  Town 
Rights,  on  and  about  Fort  hill  or  Elsewhere,  and  making  a  Plan 
thereof  &c. 

The  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Town  will  now  proceed  to 
the  Choice  of  a  Committee  to  enquire  into  the  Town  Rights  on  and 
about  Fort  hill  or  elsewhere,  and  the  Encroachments  that  have  been 
made  upon  them,  and  prepare  a  Plan  of  the  same  to  be  exhibited 
to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  with  the  Names  of  such  Per- 
sons as  have  made  any  Encroachments  thereon? 

It  passed  in  the  Aflflrmative. 

Voted,  that  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five. 

And  that. 

Mess".  Hugh  Vans  ") 

Samuel  Adams  Esq^   | 
Shem  Drowne  )-  Committee. 

'     Jonathan  Williams 
Joseph  Marion  J 

be  a  Committee  for  the  same  purpose 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourn'dtill  To-Morrow  Morning, 
at  Nine  o'Clock. 

Tuesday,  March,  10'*^.  1740. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men,  on  the  Visitation  of  the 
Publick  Schools,  being  presented,  was  Read,  and  is  as  follows, 
Viz'. 

To  the   Freeholders  and   other   Inhabitants   of  Boston   in 
Town  Meeting  Assembled,  March,  9.  1740. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Annual 
Meeting  the  ll''^.  of  March  last  past,  Desiring  the  Select  Men  to 
Visit  the  Several  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town  and  to  desire  such 
Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  [433.]  therein,  as  they  shall 
think  proper,  and  to  Report  thereon. 


1^ 


Men. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1740-41.  265 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service,  on  Mon- 
day' the  23'^.  of  June  last,  Accompanied  by  the  following  Gentle- 
men  

Viz'. 

The  Hon.  Adam  Winthrop  Esq''. 
The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq^. 
The  Hon.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq"". 
The  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq^ 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall  D.  D. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Welsteed 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Mather  Byles 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Jeremiah  Condy 
Mr.  Thomas  Gushing 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield,  and 

Mr.  James  Allen. 

and  found  the  said  Schools  under  a  good  Regulation,  The  Number 
of  Scholars  in  the  said  Schools  being  as  follows,  Viz'.  In  the 
South  Grammar  School,  Eighty  five,  In  the  North  Grammar  School, 
Sixt}-,  In  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  Eighty  three.  In  the 
South  Writing  School,  Fifty  three  in  the  North  Writing  School, 

Two  Hundred  and  Seventy. 

John  Jeffries  ^ 

Alexander  Forsyth  | 
Caleb  Lyman  !    Select- 

JoNAS  Clarke 
Thomas  Hancock 

MiDDLECOTT  CoOKE 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  And  that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing.  And  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them 
therein,    as   the}^   shall   think   convenient,    and   that  the}'  Report 

thei-eon . 

The  Petition  of  James  Read  and  others,  the  Masters  of  tlie  Fire 
Engines,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  Companys.  Praying  that 
they  may  be  Exempted  from  Serving  in  other  Town  [434:,] 
Offices  for  the  Year  ensuing,  And  that  the  Premium  which  the 
Town  granted  the  last  Year  to  the  first  Engine  which  should  be 
bro't  to  Work  upon  any  Building  on  Fire,  might  be  Continued,  for 
Reasons  mentioned. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  Granted. 
Mess".  Charles  Dabney  Excus'd 

Alexander  Young  Sworn 

Jonathan  Lowder  Sworn 

John  Ruddock  Sworn 

Andrew  Johonnot  Pay 

Richard  Gridley  Sworn 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

The  Motion  made  in  the  beginning  of  the  Meeting  by  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Greenleaf,  that  the  Fire  Wards  be  excus'd  from  other  Duty  ; 
being  bro't  under  consideration. 

The  Question  was  put,  Whether  they  shall  be  exempted  from  any 
other  Duty,  on  Account  of  their  Service,  as  Fire  Wards? 
It  passed  in  the  Negative. 


Constables. 


266 


City  Document  No.  66. 


The   Honourable   Joseph  Waclsworth   Esq'",  was  Chosen  Town 
Treasurer  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  Sworn. 
Mess".  Richard  Buckley 
Peter  Thomas 
Joshua  Blanchard 
William  Salter  J-  Assessors. 

Daniel  Pecker 
Nathanael  Barber 
Nathanael  Gardner  j    Sworn, 
were  Chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants,  Setting  forth  the  several  In- 
conveniences  arising  from  the  practice  of  Shooting  at  Pigeons, 

from  the  Tops  of  Houses,  within  the  Town.     Read  again 

Whereupon  it  was  Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  [435.]  Chosen 
to  prepare  a  By-Law  to  prevent  the  Inconvenience  above  mentioned, 
and  to  insert  therein  a  Clause  also  to  prevent  the  Soldiers  firing 
Guns  in  the  Streets,  after  they  are  dismiss'd  from  Trainings. 

Voted,  That  this  Committee  Consist  of  Five  Persons. 
And 

The  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq''. 
Samuel  Sewall  Esq"". 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield  y  Committee. 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq'". 
Mr.  Thomas  Gushing 
were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  same  purpose,  and  desired  to 
report  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Edward  Gray  and  others,  respecting  the  High 

Way  laid  out  thro'  Bartons  Rope  Walk Read  again,  and 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  to  take  the  Subject  Mattel 
of  this  Petition  into  Consideration,  to  View  the  said  High  Way, 
and  Report  to  the  Town  what  thej^  think  proper  to  be  done  thereon 
as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  a  Committee  for  this  purpose. 
Mess".  Onesiphorus  Tileston     Sworn  "] 
John  Brocas 

John  Mellidge  Sworn 

Obadiah  Cookson 
were  Chosen  Hogreves,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Joseph  Russell 

Caleb  Ray  Sworn 

Thomas  Foster 

John  Indicott  J»  Fence  Viewers. 


Hogreves. 


Hopestill  Foster 
Benjamin  Russell  Sworn 

John  Adams 

Sworn 

were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers. 

[436.]    Mess".  Edward  Moberly 
Joseph  White 
William  Paine 

Sworn 
Sworn 
Sworn 

^  Viewers  of 
'  Shingles  &c. 

Matthew  Barnard 

Sworn 

Edward  Richards 

Sworn 

Moses  Eayres 

Sworn  ^ 

were  Chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards,  Timber,  Shingles  &c. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1740-41. 


267 


Cullers  of  Staves. 


'  Sealers  of  Leather. 


Mess".  John  Helyer         Sworn  ") 

Harvej'  Thomas  Sworn 

Samuel  Green      Sworn 

John  Hobbs         Sworn 

Benjamin  Sault  Sworn  J 

were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  High  Waj^s. 

Mess".  Jeremiah  Belknap   ]  t  -c  i,     <-  t-* 

T3-  1      1  u  1  u     i     r  Informers  about  Deer. 
Richard  Hubbard    j 

to  Inform  against  and  Prosecute  the  Violaters  of  the  Act  for  the 
better  Preservation  and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this  Province. 
Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  was  Chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp.  Sworn. 
Mess".  John  Allen 

Robert  Williams  Sworn 

Thomas  Inches 
Nathanael  Hodgdon  Sworn 
Samuel  May  Sworn 

Benjamin  Mason         Sworn 
were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather. 

Mr.  Richard-Carter  Cowell,  was  Chosen  Haward,  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 

Mess".  George  Gerrish  Sworn") 

John  Simpson  (Retailer)  Excus'd  V  Clerks  of  the  Market. 
John  McNeal  Sworn  j 

[437.1     Mess".  Benjamin  Walcutt     Swoin    ^ 
John  Tyng 

.John  Wendell  Jun\  Sworn 
Harrison  Gray  Excus'd 

Jeremiah  Green 
Edward  Langdon  Excus'd 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market,  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  John  Collson  ") 

Samuel  Hill 
John  Adams 
Francis  Righton 
Jeremiah  Belknap 
Robert  Patteshall 
Andrew  Halyburton 
Thomas  Boucher 
James  Cary 
Ellis  Wilson 
John  Bennett 
Joseph  Savell 
were  Chosen  Scavengers. 

Voted,  That  the  Affair  of  Fortifications,  with  the  Select  Mens 
Report,  about  Money  arising  by  the  Sale  of  Three  Townships,  and 
of  Methods  for  Supplying  the  Town  with  Fire  Wood,  and  the 
better  admeasurement  of  the  same,  be  bro't  under  Consideration 
this  Afternoon  at  Four  O'clock  ;  And  that  the  Affair  of  Fortifica- 
tions be  first  Considered. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Three  o'Clock  io  the 
Afternoon. 


Clerk  of  the 

Market 


'  Scavengers. 


268  City  DocmiENT  No.  QQ. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mess-.  Anthony  Sigourney  Pay  |  Constables. 
Thomas  Goldthwait  Fay  ) 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

The  Select  Men's  Report  of  their  Examination  of  Mr.  [438.] 
Francis  Willoughby's  Account  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past, 
And  entred  in  Mr.  Willonghby's  Book, Read. 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted  ;  And  that  Mr.  Wil- 
loughby  be  accordingly  further  Accountable  for  Seven  Hundred 
and  Eighty  Seven  Bushels  of  Indian  Corn  ;  Thirty  One  Bushels  of 
R3-e,  And  the  Sum  of  Five  Hundred  Forty  One  Pounds  One  Shil- 
ling and  Ten  pence  in  Bills  of  Credit,  the  whole  of  which  amounts 
to  Nine  Hundred  and  Ten  Pounds,  Fourteen  Shillings  and  Ten 
pence,  which  remains  in  his  hands,  Exclusive  of  Mr.  Willoughby's 
Salary  for  the  Year  past,  Viz'.  One  Hundred  Pounds  which  is 
hereby  also  Allowed 

A  Petition  of  John  Hooker  and  Abia  Holbrook,  desiring  to  be 
Admitted  as  Grave  Diggers,*  presented  at  the  Town  Meeting  the 

14.  July   last,    and    then    refer'd    for   further   Consideration 

together   with   the   Proposals    and    Petition    of    Thomas   Moulin, 

Isaac  Peirce  and  John  Chambers  in  Answer  — thereto, Read, 

and 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  both  the  foregoing  Petitions 
be  refer'd  to  the  Select  Men  who  are  hereby  Impowered  to  Appoint 
such  further  Obligations,  Restrictions  and  Regulations  about  the 
Premisses  as  the}^  shall  think  Convenient. 

Mess".  John  Smith         Sworn  |  Constables. 
William  Taylor  Paid     j 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

A  By-Law  for  preventing  Danger  by  the  Shooting  at  Pigeons 
&c.  within  the  Town  of  Boston  &c.  prepared  by  the  Committee 

Appointed  for  that  purpose  in  the  forenoon,  was  presented, 

Read,  and  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 

Town    of  Boston,    duly    Qualified,    regularly    Assembled   in    a 

Publick  Town  Meeting  at  the  Town  house  in  Boston,  on  March, 

10^   1740. 

Whereas  many  Complaints  have  been  made  for  [439,]  Divers 
years  past,  that  the  Inhabitants  and  others  in  the  Town  of  Boston, 
have  been  greatly  endangered  both  in  their  Persons  and  Estates, 
by  firing  Guns  at  Pigeons  and  other  Game,  from  the  Streets, 
Yards,  Pastures  or  other  Inclosures,  or  from  the  Commons  or  Hills 
in  this  Town. 

For  Prevention  whereof  for  the  future. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered,  That  every  Person  whosoever,  that 
shall  hereafter  Fire  any  Gun  at  Pigeons  or  other  Game,  from  any 
of  the  House  Tops,  Streets,  Lanes,  Alleys,  Yards,  Pastures.  Gar- 
dens or  other  Inclosures,  or  from  the  Commons  or  Hills  in  the 
Town  of  Boston  or  any  other  place  Northward  of  the  Fortification 
on  the  Neck,  shall  incur  and  forfeit  the  Penalty  of  Twenty  Shil- 
lings in  Province  Bills,  for  each  time  he  shall  so  Fire  or  Shoot  a 
Gun,  One  Moiety  to  be  to  the  Informer,  and  the  other  to  the  Poor 


Boston  Town  Eecords,   1740-41.  269 

of  the  Town,  upon  Conviction  before  anj^  Justice  of  the  Peace  in 
the  County  of  Suffolk. 

And  Whereas  frequently  on  Training  Days,  after  the  Exercise 
of  such  Days  is  finished,  man}'  Inconsiderate  Persons  in  Sport  and 
Diversion  Fire  Guns  to  the  danger  or  Terror  and  Affrightment 
of  many  Persons. 

It  is  further  Voted  and  Ordered,  That  every  Person  who  shall 
fire  a  Gun  on  such  Days  after  the  Exercise  is  ended,  and  Soldiers 
dismissed  by  the  Officers,  tho'  loaden  with  Powder  onh',  shall  incur 
and  be  Subject  to  the  Penalty  of  Twent}'  Shillings  to  be  disposed 
of,  as  aforesaid,  on  Conviction  before  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  as 
aforesaid. 

Tliis  Order  to  remain  and  be  in  force  till  the  Town  shall  Vote 
the  Repeal  thereof. 

The  foregoing  B^'-Law  or  Order  being  Considered  and  Ap- 
proved   

Ordered,  That  the  Select  Men  present  the  said  B3'-Law  to  the 
next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of 
Suffolk  for  their  Confirmation. 

[4:40.]     A  Petition  of  John  Morey  and  John  Walley,  Coroners 

for  some  Allowance   for  Services  done   for  the   Town Read 

again  And  Refer'd  to  the  Select  Men  to  do  in  the  Affair  as  they 
shall  think  proper. 

The  Select  Men's  Report  relating  to  the  Money,  Arising  from  the 
Sale  of  Three  Townships  granted  by  the  General  Court,  presented 

March,  lO'''.  1739,  and  then  refer'd  for  further  Consideration 

Read. 

After  a  Considerable  Debate  on  the  Defenceless  State  of  the 
Town,  and  Methods  to  redress  the  same. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Appointed  to  Apply  to  the  Several 
Inhabitants  for  Subscriptions  in  Order  to  raise  the  Sum  of  about 
Twenty  Thousand  Pounds  to  be  Improved  in  putting  the  Town 
into  a  proper  Posture  of  Defence. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  together 
with  the  Collectors  of  Taxes,  be  a  Committee  for  this  purpose,  and 
be  desired  to  proceed  forthwith  to  take  Subscriptions  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  there  be  a  Committee  Appointed  to  Consider  in 
what  manner  it  raaj'  be  best  to  lay  out  such  Moneys  as  shall  be 
raised  in  Fortifying  and  Defending  the  Town,  and  wait  on  the 
Captain  General  to  Acqunint  him  with  the  Steps  the  Town  have 
taken  in  this  Affair  —  and  Report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment  of 
tliis  Meeting,  And  Accordinglv, 

The  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq^  ^ 
James  Bowdoin  Esq"^. 
Mr.  Shem  Drowne 
Mr.  Owen  Harris 

Samuel  Adams  Esq"".  y  Committee. 

John  Fayerweather  Esq''. 
Mr.  Jeffery  Bedgood 
Francis  Wells  Esq"". 
Samuel  Sewall  Esq"". 
were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  same  purpose. 


270  City  Document  No.  6G. 

[441.]     Mess"  Richard  Gooding  Sworn  ") 

William  Mcnzies  Sworn    V  Constables 

Nathanael  Showers  Pay       ) 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Monday  the  23^. 
Instant,  at  Three  o'Clock  Afternoon. 

Monday,  March,  23-^.  1740. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  Choose  a  Cora- 
mUtee  for  Purchasing  Grain  &c.  by  a  handy  Vote? 

It  passed  in  the  Affirmative, 
and 

Mess".  Edward  Jackson    '\ 

John  Salter  y  Committee 

Jeremiah  Helknap  ) 
were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain ;  who  are  hereb}'' 
Impowered  to  give   all  Needful  Directions  to  the  Master  of  the 
Granary,  respecting  the  Quantities  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  Setting 
the  price  thereof  from  time  to  time. 

Mr.  John  Staniford's  Petition  relating  to  the  Building  a  Bridge 
over  Charles  River  &c. Read,  and 

Voted,  That  it  be  refer'd  for  further  Consideration  at  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  Appointed  to  Consider  of  the  best 
Methods  for  laying  out  the  Monies,  that  may  be  raised  by  Sub- 
scription in  Fortifying  the  Town  &c.  being  presented  was  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  be  desired  to  reduce  His  Excellency's 
Message  to  the  Town  relating  to  Fortifications  to  Writing,  and  lay 
It  upon  the  Table. 

The    Committee   appointed    to   take   Subscriptions   for   raising 

Mone^'  to  be  laid   out   in    Fortifying   the   Town Reported, 

[44!3.]  As  follows.  Viz'.  That  the  Inhabitants  in  General  declared 
they  would  not  Subscribe,  until  they  knew  the  places  where  the 
Fortifications  are  to  be  raised,  and  the  Committee  who  are  to  lay 
out  the  Money. 

Mr.  William  Young  was  Chosen  Constable.     Pay. 

Voted,  That  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  be,  and  hereby  is  Al- 
lowed to  be  paid  to  the  Several  Collectors  of  Taxes  within  this 

Town  for  the  Year  ensuing They  giving  Bond  with  Sufficient 

Suretys,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  Office,  to  the  Satisfaction 
of  the  Select  Men. 

Voted,  That  there  be  a  Committee  Appointed  to  View  and  Con- 
sider the  State  of  the  Alms  house  and  report  at  the  next  General 
Meeting  what  Repairs  and  Additions  may  be  proper  to  be  made 
thereto. 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  in  Conjunction,  with, 
Mess".  Jacob  Parker    ") 

Joseph  Russell  >■  Committee. 
David  Collson  ) 
be  a  Committee  for  this  purpose. 

Mr.  Treasurer  Wadsworth  presenting  an  Estimate  of  what  may 


Boston  To^vn  Eecoeds,  1740-41.  271 

be  proper  to  be  raised  bj  this  Town,  for  Defraying  the  Charges  of 
the  Current  Year. 

Voted,  That  the  Granting  of  Money  for  Defraying  the  Charges 
of  the  Current  Year,  be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting.  . 
Mess".  Jacob  Sheafe  ") 

John  Staniford,  Sworn  >- Collectors  of  Taxes. 
John  Goldthwait  ) 

were  Chosen  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Nicholas  Lash  was  Chosen  Constable.     Pay. 

[443.]  The  Committee's  Report  of  the  Captain  General's 
Answer  to  them  relating  to  Fortifying  the  Town being  pre- 
sented, was  Read,  and  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

The  Committee  waited  on  His  Excellency  the  Governour  and 
Captain  General,  and  Acquainted  His  Excellency  with  the  Town's 
desires  of  Defending  and  Fortifying  themselves,  and  particularly 
that  the  Committee  had  been  considering  of  Repairing  the  North 
and  South  Battery,  and  of  Stopping  the  Channel  near  the  Castle, 
which  projections  he  seem'd  not  to  dislike,  but  gave  Us  for  Answer  in 
General,  that  he  was  very  desirous  the  Town  might  be  Fortified,  and 
that  if  the  Town  should  raise  an}'  Money,  he  would  take  Care  that 
it  should  be  laid  out  in  the  best  places  and  in  the  best  manner  for 
the  Safet}'  and  Defence  of  the  Town,  and  take  the  best  Advice, 
and  did  not  doubt  he  should  do  it  to  the  Town's  Acceptance,  But 
that  he  insisted  to  Appoint  the  places  for  Fortifications,  and  the 
Committee  for  laying  out  the  Monej'. 

Ill  the  Name  &  by  Order  of  the  Committee. 

Boston  March.  23.  1740/1.  Samuel   Welles. 

The  Committee's  Report  about  Methods  for  laying  out  the  Money 

that  ma}-  be  rais'd  b}'  Subsciiptions  for  Fortifying  the  Town 

Read,  and  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

The  Committee  Appointed  by  the  Town  at  their  Meeting,  March, 
9"^.  instant,  to  wait  on  the  Captain  General  and  Consider  in  what 
manner,  with  his  leave,  it  may  be  best  to  lay  out  such  Money  as 
shall  be  raised  for  Fortifying  and  Defending  the  Town,  Are  of 
Opitiion, 

That  the  Old  part  of  the  North  Battery  should  be  repaired,  and 
that  an  Addition  should  be  made  of  Fifteen  feet  on  the  South  East- 
ern Side  or  Front  of  it,  for  the  whole  length,  and  at  the  North 
Eastern  End  aliout  Thirty  feet  Added  of  the  Breadth  of  both  the 
Old  and  New  Work,  the  Addition  both  to  the  length  and  Breadth 
to  be  of  Stone,  up  to  the  Platform  and  Breast-AVoik,  which  they 
propose  to  l)e  of  Wood,  the  Breast  Work  of  [444.]  Square  Pine 
Timber,  and  the  Platform  of  Oak  Plank. 

That  the  South  Battery  be  Rebuilt  and  fitted  to  Receive  Guns  in 
the  former  Line  the  whole  Length  of  it. 

That  the  House  or  Sconce  by  the  South  Battery  be  Repaired  and 
made  fit  to  receive  and  keep  the  Needful  Stores,  The  Cost  of 
these  Reparations  the  Committee  Apprehend  vvill  be  Five  Thousand 
Pounds. 

The  Committee  are  further  of  Opinion,  that  it  will  be  very  much 
for  the  Security  and  Defence  of  the  Town,  that  it  be  render'd 
Impracticable  in  Case  of  an  Invasion,  for  any  large  Ship  to  come 


272  City  Document  No.  66. 

up  the  Channel,  within  about  Three  Miles  of  the  Town,  and  that 
the  Committee  might  Report  more  Understandingly,  they  have 
Measured  the  Breadth  and  Depth  of  the  Channel  between  the  upper 
Middle  Ground  and  Grovernours  Island,  and  find  it  between  a 
Thousand  and  P^lcven  Hundred  feet,  and  at  Nipt  Tides  about  Six- 
teen feet,  deep  on  an  average,  except  about  Forty  Feet  which  they 
find  of  the  Depth  of  Twenty  five  to  Twenty  Seven  feet ;  The  Com- 
mittee Propose  that  about  Twenty  Piers  of  Thirty  feet  Square  each 
and  Sixteen  feet  high,  be  built  and  placed  within  Fifteen  feet  of 
each  other  across  the  Channel,  which  will  render  it  Impassable  for 
a  large  Ship,  except  about  Two  Hundred  feet  in  the  best  of  the 
Channel,  which  may  in  a  few  hours  be  wholly  Stop't  by  two  or 
or  three  large  Hulks,  prepared  and  lying  ready  for  the  purpose, 
There  is  a  place  between  the  lower  point  of  Governours  Island  and 
the  lower  part  of  Castle  Island,  which  would  be  preferable  to  this 
if  not  too  deep  or  broad  (which  some  say  is  easier  than  this)  but 
the  Committee  have  not  had  Opportunity  to  Measure  it,  the  Charge 
of  this  Stoppage,  with  large  Allowance  for  loss  and  disappoint- 
ment, the  Committee  have  Computed  at  Fifteen  Thousand  Pounds. 
In  the  Name  and  by  Order  of  the  Committee, 
Boston  March.  23.  1740/1  Samuel  Welles. 

The  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Town  will  [445.]  Further 
pursue  the  Affair  of  raising  Money,  either  by  Subscriptions  or 
Taxes,  in  Order  to  put  this  Town  into  a  proper  Posture  of  Defence 
in  the  Way  and  manner  in  which  the  Captain  General  insists  it 
shall  be  done? 

It  passed  in  the  Negative. 

Mr.  Aftar  Stoddard  was  Chosen  Constable.  Sworn. 
Voted,  That  the  Committee  appointed  the  Ninth,  Instant,  to 
Consider  in  what  manner  the  Town  may  be  best  Fortified  and 
Defended,  be  and  hereby  are  desired  to  r.epair  below  the  Castle, 
and  Measure  the  Width  and  Depth  of  the  Channel,  between  Castle 
William  and  Governours  Island,  and  prepare  a  Memorial  to  lay 
before  the  General  Court,  Setting  forth  how  much  it  will  be  for  the 
Security  of  the  Province  to  Sink  a  Number  of  Hulks,  in  the  said 
Channel  near  Castle  William ;  And  humbly  to  propose  That  inas- 
much as  the  Supply  of  the  Province  Treasury  is  Attended  with 
difficulty,  this  Town  will  endeavour  to  Obtain  from  their  Principal 
Inhabitants  a  Loan  of  Money  free  of  Interest,  for  that  purpose,  if 
the  General  Court  will  please  to  Accept  of  the  same,  until  the 
Treasury  can  be  Supply'd  for  their  Reimbursement,  And  that  the 
Committee  be  desired  to  report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this 
Meeting  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Monday  the  30'''. 
instant,  at  Ten  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon. 


Monday,  March.  30''^.  1741. 

The  Town  being  Assembled,  according  to  Adjournment. 

Mess- John  Grant  Sworn   |  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^^^^^^ 
Ihomas  Jackson        j 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market. 

The    Hon.    Edward    Hutchinson    Esq"",    from    the    Committee 


Boston  Town  Records,  1740-41,  273 

Appointed  to  Examin  the  Overseers  Accounts  relating  to  the  Work- 
house  Presented  their  Report  thereon,  which  was  Read,  and 

is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

[44:6.]  The  Committee  unto  whom  was  referred  the  Auditing 
the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  relating  to  the  Workhouse,  have 
Attended  that  Service  and  upon  Examination  of  their  Books  find 
the  Charge  for  Provisions  Clothing  &c.  for  the  Persons  in  said 
House  for  Nineteen  Months  past.  Amounts  to  One  Thousand  Six 
Hundred  three  Pounds  Seven  Shillings  and  One  penu}',  and  the 
Several  Species  purchased  for  Manufactory  b\^  the  Persons  in  said 
House,  Amounts  to  Six  Hundred  Twenty  two  Pounds  Sixteen 
Shillings  and  three  pence  also  for  Mr.  Taylor  the  Keepers  Salary 
One  Year  and  an  half  at  One  Hundred  and  fifty  Pounds  p  Annum 
is  Two  Hundred  Twenty  five  Pounds  Amounting  in  the  whole  to 
Two  Thousand  Four  Hundred  Fifty  One  Pounds  Three  Shillings 
and  four  pence. 

We  likewise  find  that  the  Species  Manufactor'd  and  Sold 
Amounts  to  One  Thousand  Three  Hundred  Eighty  five  Pounds 
Eight  Shillings  and  Seven  pence ;  Species  Manufactored  remain- 
ing in  the  House  Unsold  Two  Hundred  Thirty  four  Pounds  Thir- 
teen Shillings  and  Six  pence  Debts,  Outstanding  for  Manufactored 
Goods  Sold  amounts  to  One  Hundred  Ninety  Seven  Pounds  Six 
ShilHngs  and  three  pence,  Provissions  and  Wood  in  said  House  and 
not  yet  Expended  Eighty  Pounds  making  in  the  whole  One  Thou- 
sandEight  Hundred  Ninety  Seven  Pounds  Eight  Shillings  and  four 
pence. 

By  which  it  Appears  the  Neat  Charge  of  the  Workhouse  for 
Nineteen  Months  past  is  Five  Hundred  Fifty  three  Pounds  Fifteen 
Shillings  Due  on  the  Maintenance  of  said  House,  during  which 
Term  taking  One  time  with  another.  We  find  there  has  been 
Upward  of  Forty  People  provided  for,  and  that  there  is  now  in  said 
House  Fifty-five  Persons,  Vizt.  Ten  Men,  Thirty  Eight  AYomen 
and  Seven  Cliildren,  We  also  find  that  the  Furniture  of  said  House 
Amounts  to  Two  Hundred  Twenty  three  Pounds  Eight  Shillings 
and  Six  pence,  that  there  has  been  laid  out  for  Clapboarding  the 
Backside  and  other  Repairs  of  the  House  Two  Hundred  Fifty  four 
Pounds  Seventeen  Shillings  and  Seven  pence,  and  for  Tools  and 
Utensils  ILighteen  Pounds,  Twelve  Shillings  and  Two  pence,  which, 
three  Several  Sums  Amounts  to  Four  Hundred  Ninety  Six  [44:7.] 
Pounds  Eighteen  Shillings  and  three  pence.  

All  which  is  referred  to  the  Town  for  their  Consideration. 

Edward  Hutchinson. 
Boston  March.  23^.  1740/ —  Nathanael  Balston. 

J^.  Wheelwright 
CoRE^.  Waldo. 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  and  hereby  are  desired 
to  proceed  in  the  Usual  way  to  take  Care  of  tiie  Affairs  of  the 
Workhouse,  and  to  draw  on  the  Town  Treasurer  for  what  Money 
may  be  needful  in  carrying  on  said  Affairs. 

Tlic  lion.  Samuel  vVelles  Esq^  from  the  Committee  Appointed 
the  9"'.  instant  to  repair  below  the    Castle,  and  to  Measure  the 


274  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Wedth  and  Depth  of  the  Channel  between  Castle  William  and 
Governoui-'s  Island,  Presented  their  Report,  with  a  Plan  of  said 
Channel ;  And  having  also  according  to  Order  prepared  a  Memorial 
and  Petition  to  be  presented  to  the  General  Court,  laid  the  same 

before  the  Town  for  tbeii'  Approbation Read,  which  Report  is 

as  follows,  Vizt. 

The  Committee  according  to  the  direction  of  the  Town  at  their 
Meeting  the  23'^.  instant,  repaired  on  Fr^yday  the  27*.  Currant,  to 
the  Channel  between  Castle  Island  and  the  South  Eastern  point  of 
Governours  Island  and  find  it  to  be  Fourteen  Hnndred  and  Fifty 
Seven  feet  Wide,  and  from  Three  to  Four  Fathom  Deep,  and  tlie 
very  deepest  in  some  places  Twentj'  Seven  feet  in  Common  Ni[)'t 
Tides,  And  therefore  about  Twenty  three  or  Twentj'  four  feet  in 
Common  Spring  Tides,  The}^  have  Computed  tlie  Charge  of  fixing 
Piers  of  Thirty  feet  Square,  made  of  Pine  Timlier  and  Stone  to  be 
Set  Angling  cross  tlie  Channel  at  Ten  or  Twelve  feet  distance, 
with  Hulks  to  fill  up  Three  or  Four  Hundred  feet,  to  be.  left  for 
the  Ordinary  Navigation,  at  Eighteen  Thousand  Two  Hundred 
Pounds,  That  the  Town  may  more  readil}'  Apprehend  and  Judge 
of  what  is  proposed,  The  Committee  have  prepared  a  [44:8.] 
Plan  which  is  herewith  presented,  They  have  also  prepared  a 
Petition  or   Memorial  to  be    laid  before  the  Honourable  General 

Court,  if  the  Town  shall  think  proper. 

In  the  Name  and  by  Order  of  the  Committee, 

Boston  March.  30.  1741.  Samuel  Welles. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Five  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 


Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mr.  Zachariah  Hicks,  Usher  of  the  North  Writing  School,  his 
Petition  for  raising  his  Salary  —  Read,  and 

The  Question  being  put,  Whether  there  shall  be  any  Addition 
made  to  Mr.  Hicks's  Salary? 

It  passed  in  the  AfHimative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made, 

Voted  to  refer  the  further  Consideration  of  this  Petition  to  the 
next  General  Town  Meeting  :  and  in  the  mean  time  to  Appoint  a 
Committee  to  enquire  into  the  particular  Circumstances  relating 
thereto,  and  of  Mr.  Procter's  Perquisites,  &c. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  a  Committee  for  this  purpose,  who 
are  desired  to  Report  thereon  accordingl}'. 

The  Proposal  made  by  the  Select  Men  as  inserted  in  the  Warrant, 
Vizt.     To  Consider  of  some  proper  Method  for  Supplying  the  Town 

with  Fire  Wood,  being  Accordingly  bro't  under  Consideration 

After  some  Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  and  Appointed  to  Consider 
of  the  most  proper  and  easy  Way  of  Purchasing  a  Quantit}^  of  Cord 
Wood,  for  the  Service  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Motion  made  by  Major  Hill  at  the  Opening  of 
this  Meeting,  relating  to  the  just  Admeasurement  of  Wood,  be  also 
refer'd  to  the  said  Committee. 


Boston  To'svn  Records,  1741.  275 

Voted,  That  the  Number  of  this  Committee  be  Five,  And 
Mr.  Isaac  White  ^ 

Samuel  Adams  Esq"^.        j 
Tliomas  Hubbard  Esq''.   V  Committee. 
Mr.  John  Indicott,  and 
Mr.  John  Wheelwright 

[449.]  Were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  same  purpose,  who 
are  desired  to  Report  thereon  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

A  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathanael  Canningham,  at  the  Opening 
of  this  Meeting,  about  Pa3-ing  the  Representatives  out  of  the  Town 

Treasury,  being  bro't  under  Consideration After  some  Debate 

thereon, 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be  directed, 
so  often  as  any  List  for  the  Pa}'  of  the  Honourable  House  of 
Representatives  shall  be  made  up,  to  receive  a  Certificate  from  the 
Clerk  of  the  House,  of  their  Attendance,  and  lodge  the  same  with 
the  Town  Treasurer,  to  whom  only  they  shall  Apply  for  their  Pay, 
and  Provission  shall  be  made  for  them  there  Accordingly. 

The  Memorial  and  Petition  to  the  Great  and  General  Court  for 
Liberty  to  Block  up  the  Channel  between  Castle  William  and 
Governour's  Island  &c.  Read  again  —  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq"".  Captain  General  and 
Governour  in  Chief,  the  Honom-aWe  the  Council,  and  House  of 
Rei)resentatives,  in  General  Court  Assembled,  March.  26"^  1741. 

The  Memorial  and  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  Humbly 
Sheweth, 

That  they  Apprehend,  it  would  be  a  great  Security  to  the 
Province,  especially  to  the  Castle,  if  the  Channel,  below  Castle 
William,  between  Castle  Island  and  the  South  Eastern  point  of 
Governours  Island  was  Stop't  and  made  Unpassable  for  large  Ships 
unless  for  the  breadth  of  Three  or  Four  Hundred  feet  in  the  best 
of  the  Channel  as  may  be  judged,  would  Sufficientl}'  Accommodate 
the  Common  and  Necessary  Navigation  ;  That  the}'  might  be  Able 
to  make  a  more  clear  and  certain  Representation  of  this  Affair  to 
Your  Excellency  and  Honours,  the  Town  hath  Appointed  a  Com- 
mittee, who  have  [450.]  Very  Exactly  Measured  the  Depth  and 
Breadth  of  the  Channel  at  the  place  aforesaid,  and  find  it  to  be 
Fourteen  Hundred  and  Fifty  Seven  feet  Wide  and  that  it  is  from 
about  Three  to  Four  Fathom  deep  and  the  very  deepest  not  more 
than  Twenty  Seven  feet  at  low  water  in  Common  Nip't  Tides  and 
not  above  Twenty  Three  or  Twenty  Four  feet  at  low  water  in  Com- 
mon Spring  Tides,  As  may  be  more  particularly  seen  b}'  a  Plan 
herewitli  humbl}'  presented  ;  About  Six  Hundred  feet  on  each  Side 
of  the  Channel,  It  is  proposed  should  be  Stop't  by  Piers  made  of 
Timber  and  Stone  Thirty  feet  Square  and  set  Angling  across  the 
Channel  at  about  Ten  or  Twelve  feet  Distance  and  about  Twenty  One 
or  Twenty  two  feet  high  at  a  mean,  till  the  whole  Channel  be  Stop't, 
Except  about  Three  or  Four  Hundred  feet  as  aforesaid  in  the  midst 
between  tiie  Flatts  on  the  Side  of  Castle  William  and  the  Flatts 
from  the  South  Eastern  Point  of  Goveinours  Island,  and  tlie  Three 
or  Four  Hundred  feet  so  left  may  be  Stop't  in  a  few  hours,  with 
Hulks  prepared  and  lying  ready  for  that  end,'Tlie  Cliarge  of  this 


276  City  Document  No.  66. 

Undertaking  has  been  Computed  with  large  Allowance  for  losses 
and  Casualties  which  may  happen,  at  Eighteen  Thousand  Two 
Hundred  Pounds,  —  Now  May  it  Please  Your  Excellenc}'  and 
Honours,  as  the  Treasury  is  not  Supplied,  and  as  there  seem  to  be 
Considerable  Difficulties  in  the  Way  of  it. 

It  is  humbly  Requested,  That  You  would  please  to  Direct  this 
Affair  to  be  carried  on  if  a  Number  of  private  Persons,  will 
Advance  Sufficient  to  effect  this  Work  and  wait  without  Interest 
till  tbe  Difficulties  may  be  removed,  and  there  shall  be  money  in 
the  Province  Treasury  for  their  Reimbursement. 

The  Question  being  put.  Whether  the  said  Memorial  and  Peti- 
tion shall  be  prefer'd  to  the  General  Court? 

It  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Sign  and  prefer  the 
said  Memorial  and  Petition  to  tbe  General  Court  accordingly. 

[451.]  Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town,  be  returned  to 
the  Gentlemen  the  Committee  for  Fortifications,  for  the  Care  and 
Pains  they  have  taken  in  that  Affair. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified,  and  lawfuU}'  Warned,  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  on  Fryday,  the  8'\  of  May.  1741. 

Prayer  was  made  by  tlie  Rev.  Mr.  Ellis  Gra}'. 

The  Precept,  and  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq''.  One  of  the  Select  Men,  in  their 
Name,  proposed  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled,  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Person  or  Persons  to  Serve  fur  and  Represent  them  in 
the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston 
the  27'^^.  of  May  Current,  And  in  Order  thereto  to  Consider  and 
Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected.  Accord- 
ingly   

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be.  Four  Hundred,  Ninety  five.  And  Upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared,  That  the  following  Gentlemen,  were  Chosen  by  a  Major 
part  of  the  Votes. 

Vizt.  No.  of  Votes. 

Mr.  Tliomas  Cushing 446 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 414 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 431 

Mr.  James  Allen 323. 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  ended,  and  [453.]  The 

same  declared  by  the  Select  Men. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  written 

Votes r-  which  being  Collected,  it  Appeared,  that 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  this  Meeting. 
A  Motion  made  by  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq'',  to  remove  the  Fence 

before  the  Alms  house  as  far  as  the  Work  house. 
A  Motion  made  by  Abiel  Walle}^  Esq.  that  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor  be  desir'd  Vigourously  to  pursue  the  Steps  of  the  Law, 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1741.  277 

impowering  them  to  put  Poor  Children  out  to  Service, 


The  Question  being  put,  Whether  this  Motion  be  Sustained? 
It  passed  in  the  Negative. 

A  Motion  made  b^'  the  Select  Men  respecting  the  High  Wa}', 
between  the  South  end  of  the  Town,  and  the  Fortiflcation, 
which  was  given  b}'  the  Town  to  cerlain  Proprietors  on 
Condition,  of  their  keeping  the  same  in  Repair,  desiring 
Directions  from  the  Town  how  to  proceed  in  that  Affair. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jeremiah  Belknap  that  the  Stock  for 
Purchasing  Grain,  should  bo  increas'd. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Three  o'Clock, 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 

Sundry  Petitions Read, 

Vizt. 

Of  Joseph   Ingraham,  to  be  Continued  One  of  the  Cullers  of 

Staves. 
Of  Mess".  John  Stauiford  and  John  Goldthwait,  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year.  1740.  tiiat  the  Assessors  maj'  be  Allowed 
to  Set  upon  Abatements  till  the  latter  end  of  October  next. 
The  Select  Men  presented  a  Draft  of  a   By-Law  [453.]  To 
Oblige  the  Inhabitants  to  remove  or  level  the  Ice  or  Suow  lying  in 
the  Streets  in  the   Winter  Season,  whereby  the  passing  and  re- 
passing is  often  Obstructed  and  rendered  dangerous Read, 

which  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston, 
duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Publick  Town  Meeting 
Assembled,  May  8*.  A.D.  1741. 

For  keeping  the  Streets  Lanes  and  High  Wa3's,  passable  in  the 
Town  of  Boston  in  the  Winter  Season. 

Whereas  by  reason  of  the  Inhabitants  in  the  Winter  Season, 
carrying  the  Snow  out  of  their  Yards,  and  laying  it  in  heaps  in 
the  High  Way,  and  Neglecting  to  make  Convenient  Paths  before 
their  Houses  and  Lands,  renders  the  Passing  in  the  Streets  and 
High  Ways  exceeding  DifBcult  to  the  Inbabitants,  and  to  the 
Countrey  People  in  bringing  Wood  and  Provisions  to  Market. 

For  Remedy  whereof. 

Voted,  That  the  Scavingers  for  the  time  being,  and  such  as  shall 
hereafter  be  Chosen  thereto,  Are  hereby  Authorized  and  Impow- 
ered  to  Warn  and  Order  all  Persons  within  their  respective  Ward 
or  Wards,  who  are  or  shall  be  Occupiers  of  an}'  Houses,  Lands  or 
Tenements  Abutting  on  any  of  the  Streets  and  Lanes  in  the  Town 
of  Boston,  to  keep  clear  a  good  and  Sufficient  Path  before  the 
same,  from  Ice  and  vSnow  ;  and  what  Snow  or  Ice  they  throw  or 
carry  into  the  High  Waj-,  that  they  Spread  and  Level  the  same  to 
the  Ap[)robation  of  the  Scavingers,  And  any  Person  or  Persons 
refusing  or  Neglecting  to  do  the  same.  Six  liours  after  Warning 
given  by  the  Scavingers  shall  forfeit  and  Pay  the  Sum  of  Fifteen 
Sliillings  for  every  Neglect,  or  Treble  the  Cost  the  Scavingers  shall 
be  at,  in  getting  the  same  done,  the  Fine  to  be  for  the  Use  of  the 


278  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

Poor  of  the  Town, That  the  Evidence  of  any  One  Person 

with  the  Scavinger  shall  be  Sufficient  to  Convict  any  Person  or 
Persons  of  the  Breach  of  this  Order. 

This  Order  to  Continue  in  force  until  the  Town  see  [454.] 
Convenient  to  Order  otherwise. 

The  foregoing  Order  or  By-Law,  having  been  Read. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted,  And  that  the  Select  Men  be 
and  hereby  are  desired  to  present  the  same  to  the  next  General 
Sessions  of  the  Peace,  for  their  Approbation. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  Appointed  to  Consider  of  a  proper 
Method,  of  Supplying  the  Town  with  a  Sufficient  Quantity  of  Fire 

Wood,  and  Admeasurement  of  the  same,  being  presented, 

Read,  and  is  as  follows.     Vizt. 

The  Committee  unto  whom  was  refer'd  the  Consideration  of  the 
most  proper  Method  of  Purchasing  Wood  for  the  Service  of  the 
Town  and  of  some  Expedient  whereby  every  Inhabitant  may  have 
his  just  Admeasurement  thereof,  to  Effect  the  same  have  been  lead 
into  the  following  Opinion. 

1''.  That  a  Quantity  of  good  Wood,  not  exceeding  400  Cord, 
be  bought  with  ready  Money  at  the  Cheapest  Rate,  and  Landed  at 
each  end  and  Middle  of  the  Town  (where  it  may  be  Landed  with- 
out much  Cost  for  laying)  for  the  better  Accommodation  of  the 
Inhabitants  when  their  Absolute  Necessity  shall  require  the  same. 

2'^'y.  Every  Cart  or  Sled  Usually'  carrying  Wood  from  off 
Wharffs  or  other  proper  landing  Places  shall  have  a  Suitable  Num- 
ber of  Flat  Stakes  firmly  fist  in  the  Bod}'  of  the  Cart  or  Sled  up 
riglit,  which  Stakes  shall  be  Branded  or  have  some  other  proper 
Mark  of  Distinction  at  a  highth  and  length  that  will  Contain  2  foot 
or  ^  of  a  Cord  of  Wood  well  Stowed  all  length  Ways,  an  other  Mark 
on  said  Stakes  at  a  Higlith  and  Length  that  will  Contain  4  foot  or 
^  Cord  of  Wood,  and  another  mark  at  a  Highth  and  Length  that 
wiir Contain  Six  foot  or  f*.  of  a  Cord  of  Wood,  wiiereby  each 
Inhabitant  ma_y  See  at  his  own  Door  that  he  has  the  Quantity  of 

Wood  he  bought All  which   [455.]   is  humbly  Submitted  to 

the  Tovvns  farther  Consideration. 

Boston  May.  8"^.  1741.  Isaac  White 

Samuel  Adams 
Thomas  Hubbard 
John  Indicott 
J°.  Wheelwright 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  View  and  Consider  the  State  of  the 
Alms  house  and  what  Repairs  and  Additions  may  be  proper  to  be 

made  thereto presented    their    Report which  was  Read, 

and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

Pursuant  to  the  above  Vote,  We  have  Carefully  Viewed  the 
Alms  house,  and  find  it  Necessary  that  the  following  Repairs  be 
made,  Vizt.  All  the  Floors,  Stairs,  Doors,  Windows,  Window 
frames  and  Cellar  Doors  be  made  new  ;  And  We  are  also  of  Opin- 
ion that  'lis  necessary-  to  make  an  Additional  Building  of  Ninety 
feet  long,  and  the  same  Wedth  with  the  Old  House  to  Accommo- 
date the  Poor. 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1741.  279 

Isaac  White  Joshua  Cheever  Jacob  Wendell 

Jacob  Parker        Edward  BaoMFiELD  William  Ttler 

Joseph  Russell      William  Downe  John  Hill 

David  Collson      Samuel  Hunt  Thomas  Hubbard 

Andrew  Oliver  Daniel  Henchman 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  be  desired  to  Cause  the  Necessar}'' 
Repairs  of  the  Alms  house  to  be  effected,  and  that  the  Consider- 
alion  of  the  other  part  of  the  Report  relating  to  an  additional 
Uuilding,  be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting,  and  that 
the  Select  Men  be  desir'd  to  Insert  the  same  in  the  Warrant  for 
calling  the  said  Meeting,  as  also  the  Granting  Laud,  whereon  to 
Erect  the  same. 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  enquire  into  the  Town  Rights  &c. 
Reported,  That  they  have  not  had  opportunity  to  Accomplish 


that  Atfair  so  as  full}'  to  make  Report  thereon  at  this  Meeting, 
npiin  which  the}'  were  desired  to  pursue  the  said  Affair  and  Report 
thereon  at  the  next  General  Meeting,   [456.]  oi'  as  soon  after 

as  may  be. 

INIr.  Zachariah  Hicks's  Petition,  for  Addition  to  his  Salary,  as 
Usher  of  the  North  Writing  School,  and  the  Select  Men's  Report 

thereon,  was  Read,  which  Report  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

Pursuant  to  the  above  Vote  of  the  Town,  We  Imve  made  enquiry 
into  the  Circumstances  of  the  North  Writing  School,  which  consists 
of  about  Two  Hundred  and  Eighty  Scholars,  A  Master  and  Usher, 
the  Master  has  Two  Hundred  and  Eighty  Pounds  p  Annum,  the 

Usher  One  Hundred  and  Fifty  Pounds We  don't  find  that 

any  Children  of  the  Town  have  been  refused,  that  could  Read  in  the 
Psalter,  nor  any  Demand  of  Entrance  Money  made  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants, but  only  from  Strangers  Children,  of  which  there  is  now 
about  Ten  in  the  School,  and  that  for  Firing  some  that  are  in  low 
Circumstances  Pay  Nothing,  others  as  they  think  fit,  so  that  One 
with  Another  it  Amounts  to  about  Five  Shillings  a  peice,  the  which 
Perquisites  the  Master  insists  on  as  his  right  and  without  it,  can't 
Subsist  in  keeping  the  School  having  for  some  time  paid  an  Assist- 
ant One  Hundred  Pounds,  p  Annum,  out  of  his  Salary,  So  that 
We  are  of  Opinion  that  Nothing  can  be  taken  from  the  Master  to 
Add  to  the  Usher,  but  as  it's  Necessar}'  that  some  Addition  be 
made  to  the  Usher,  if  the  Town  thinks,  proper  to  Add  Thirty 
Pounds  p  Annum  to  his  Salary,  to  begin  the  Twenty  Eighth  of 

Ma}'  Currant,  it  may  do  well.  

All  which  is  humbly  Submitted, 

John  Jeffries 

Caleb  Lyman 

Jonas  Claeke  ,    Select 

Thomas  Hancock      '     Men. 

Middlecott  Cooke 

John  Steel 

Voted,  That  there  be  an  Addition  of  Thirty  Pounds,  [457.] 
p  Annum,  made  to  Mr.  Hicks's  Salary  to  Common'-e  from  the 
28"'.  of  May  CUirrant,  And  that  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  insert 
a  Clause  in  the  Warrant,  for  the  next  Meeting,  for  Erecting  a 
Writing  School  near  the  Center  of  the  Town. 


280  City  Document  No.  66. 

Voted,  That  the  raishig  of  Money  for  defraying  the  Charge  of 
the  Current  Year,  be  refer'd  to  the  next  Meeting,  And  that  the 
Town  Treasurer  be  directed  to  prepare  and  exhiliit  an  Account  of 
the  Money  Outstanding  in  the  hands  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes.  — 

Voted,  to  refer  the  other  Atfairs  that  were  to  have  been  trans- 
acted at  this  Meeting,  to  be  bro't  under  Consideration  at  the  next 
Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned,  in  Publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled,  on  Fryda}'  the  22*^.  of  May,  1741. 

The  Warrant  under  the  Hands  and  Seal  of  William  Dudley,  and 
Anthony  Stoddard  P2sq".  Two  of  His  Majesty's  Justices  of  the 
Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  Quorum  Unus  ;  In  Order  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Person  to  be  Register  of  Deeds  and  Conveyances  of 
Land  in  the  said  County  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Samuel  Gerrish  De- 
ceased.   Read. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  written 

Votes which  being  Collected,  it  Appeared  that  Mr.  Thomas 

Gushing  was  Chosen  by  a  great  Majority  of  Votes. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Isaac  Gridley,  that  All  the  Extra  Expences, 
which  Arose  on  his  Servant  Henry  Nickerspn's  having  the  Small 
Pox,  who  was  removed  to  the  Westerly  part  of  the  Town,  may 
be  Abated  him  by  the  Town.     Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

[458.]  A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  John  Darrell,  that  a  Commit- 
tee might  be  Appointed  by  the  Town  to  wait  on  His  Excellency  the 
Governour,  desiring  that  some  Measures  may  be  taken  to  Protect 
such  Coasters  as  may  be  bringing  Provission,  Wood  &c.  from  being 
Impressed  on  board  His  Majesties  Ships  of  War,  lying  in  the 
Harbour. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait,  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, and  was  Sworn  to  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Office  by  the 
Hon.  Anthony  Stoddard  Esq"". 

The  Freeholders  of  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  a  Register  of  Deeds  &c.  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  which  being 

Collected    were    according   to   Law Sealed  up   by  Constable 

Richard  Gridley  b}'  him  to  be  kept  and  returned  to  the  Justices 
that  Issued  out  the  Warrant,  on  Monday  the  25*.  Instant,  accord- 
ing to  the  Directions  in  the  said  Warrant. 

The  Affair  of  Erecting  a  Writing  Schoolhouse  in  the  Center  of 
the  Town,  came  under  Consideration,  and  the  same  being  fully 
debated.  The  Question  was  put. Whether  the  Town  would  ac- 
cordingly Erect  a  Writing  School  in  the  Middle  of  the  Town? 

It  passed  in  the  Negative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  Question  was  put  Whether  the  North 
Writing  School  under  the  Care  of  Mr.  John  Procter  be  divided 
into  Two  parts  for  the  Conveniency  of  Children  ? 

It  passed  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  Consisting  of  Five  Persons  be  Ap- 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1741.  281 

pointed  to  Enquire  into  the  Circumstances  of  the  North  Writing 
School  under  the  Care  of  Mr.  John  Procter,  and  report  to  the  next 
General  Town  Meeting  what  they  think  proper  to  be  done  relating 
to  the  Division  thereof,  or  in-  what  other  Way  the  said  School  ma}' 
be  best  Carried  on  and  Supported, 
Voted,  That  Abiel  Walley  Esq^ 

Mr.  James  Allen, 

The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq'. 

Daniel  Henchman  Esq"'. 

Mr.  John  Staniford 
[459.]  be  the  Committee  for  that  purpose. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  Appointed  the  9*.  of  March  last 
to  View  and  Consider  the  State  of  the  Almshouse  and  Report  what 
Additions  and    Repairs  may  be  proper  to  be  made  thereto,  was 

Read,  as  Entred  the  8"".  instant And    the  same  being  fully 

Considered  and  Debated  was  Accepted,  and 

Voted,  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  a  Parcel  of  the 
Common  Land  Adjoining  to  the  Almshouse  Bounded  b}'  a  Line  to 
be  Extended  from  the  Southwest  Corner  of  said  House  into  the 
Field  about  Ninet}'  foot,  and  from  thence  Extending  another  line 
Eastward  bevelling  with  the  Work  house  fence  as  now  Erected. 

Also  Voted  that  there  be  a  Brick  Building  in  Addition  to  the 
Almshouse  Erected  on  said  Land  of  Ninety  feet  long  and  the  same 
Wedth  of  the  Old  House  to  Accomodate  the  Poor,  And  that  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  be  desired  to  take  care  that  the  same  be 
Etfected  in  the  Cheapest  manner. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  oMUlock  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford,  and  others.  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year,  1740,  Praying  that  the  Assessors  may  be  Al- 
lowed to  Sit  upon  Abatements  till  the  latter  end  of  October  next, 
for  the  reasons  therein  mentioned Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted,  And  that  the 
Assessors  be  Allowed  to  Sit  upon  Abatements  till  the  last  Day  of 
October  next,  and  no  longer. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Staniford  relating  to  the  Building  a 
Bridge  from  Boston  to  Cambridge  over  Charles's  River  being  Read 
and  Debated  upon,  in  Answer  thereto. 

Voted,  That  when  the  Building  a  Bridge  from  Boston  to  Cam- 
bridge shall  be  Undertaken,  the  Town  will  Carry  on  the  Affairs  so 
far  as  to  Build  that  part  of  the  Bridge,  which  may  be  Convenient 
to  be  Built  on  the  Flatts  from  Boston  Shore  to  Low  water  mark. 
Provided  that  in  Order  to  Enable  them  to  Effect  such  part  of  the 
Works  the  Town  can  Obtain  from  the  Great  and  General  Court 
the  Loan  of  a  Sufficient  Sum  of  [460.]  Monej'  upon  reasonable 
terms,  And  also  ma}- be  Entitled  to  their  proportionable  part  of  the 
Incomes  of  said  Bridge. 

The  Report  of  Mess".  Isaac  White  and  others  a  Committee 
Api)Ointed  to  Consider  of  some  proper  Method  lor  supplying  the 
Town  with  Fire  Wood,  as  Entred  May,  8"^  instant,  being  read. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  that  the  Sum  of  Seveo 


282  City  Document  No.  66. 

Hunrlred  Pounds  of  the  produce  of  the  Three  Townships  be  as  soon 
as  may  be  drawn  in  by  the  Select  Men,  and  delivered  to, 
Major  John  Hill. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq'',  and 
Mr.  John  Wheelwright, 
who   are    Appointed    a  Committee   to   Invest  the  same  in  Cord- 
Wood  at  the  most  reasonable  Rate  to  be  laid  in  some  Convenient 
places  at  each  end,  and  in  the  Middle  of  the  Town,  in  Order  to 
Supply  the  Inhabitants  as  the  Necessitys  of  the  Season  shall  call  for. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  draw  up  and  prepare 
a  B3'-Law  relating  to  tlie  Admeasurement  of  Wood,  and  Report  of 
the  same  at  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 

A  Petition  of  Joseph  Ingraham,  Praying  that  he  may  be  a 
Culler  of  Staves Read,  and  after  some  Debate  thereon, 

Voted,  Tiiat  the  same  be  Dismissed. 

Upon  Reading  the  Petition  of  Isaac  Gridley  relating  to  Henr}'' 
Nickerson  his  Servant,  who  was  ill  of  the  Small  Pox,  and  for  the 
Safety  of  the  Town  removed  to  the  Westerly  part  thereof,  Praying 
that  the  Town  would  Order  the  Extra  Expences  as  have  arisen  by 
his  Removal  and  other  Charges  more  than  it  would  have  been, 
provided  he  had  been  Cured  and  Attended  upon  in  his  own  Family 
may  be  Abated  him,  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  Abate  him  so 
much  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

The  Select  Men's  Report  on  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Edward  Gray  & 
others,  respecting  the  High  Waylaid  out  thro'  Bartons  Rope  Walk, 
being  presented  was  Read,  and  is  as  follows,  Vizt. 

Persuant  to  the  above  Vote  of  the  Town,  We  have  [461.] 
Attended  the  Service  therein  desired,  and  Viewed  the  Land  and 
Discoursed  with  the  Petitioners,  And  find  that  the  Petitioners,  &c. 
have  Purchased  and  laid  out  a  Street  of  about  Twenty  One  feet 
Wide  and  about  Fifteen  Hundred  feet  long,  extending  from  Sum- 
mer Street  to  the  Sconce  for  which  they  are  Obliged  to  Pay  One 
Thousand  Pounds  (for  what  they  Purchased)  Eight  Hundred  and 
Forty  Pounds  of  which  they  have  got  by  Subscriptions  of,  some  of 
the  Abutters,  others  of  them  who  receive  a  Benefit  bj'  said  Way 
not  being  Able  or  willing  to  Pay  any  thing  thereto. 

We  Apprehend  said  Street  is  of  great  Advantage  to  the  present 
Abutters  Estates,  and  to  those  that  may  hereafter  Build  there,  and 
as  the  Town  have  some  Interest  there,  in  a  House  provided  for  Poor 
Children 

We  would  therefore  propose  to  the  Town,  upon  the  Petitioners 
Compleating  the  Street  from  Summer  Street  to  Sconce  Street  of 
Twenty  One  feet  Wide,  and  levelling  a  part  of  the  Hill  to  the 
Eastward  of  said  Street  to  the  Approbation  of  the  Town,  and 
Convey  over  said  Land  to  the  Town  for  a  Common  High  Way, 
free  from  any  Demand  of  the  Proprietors,  that  then  the  Town 
Allow  to  them,  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Fiftj^  Pounds,  and 
Accept  of  it  as  a  High  Waj^ 

John  Jeffries 

Caleb  Lyman 

Jonas  Clarke        \-  Select  Men. 

Thomas  Hancock  I 

John  Steel  J 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1741.  283 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  and  that  upon  the  Peti- 
tioners Compleating  the  Street  from  Summer  Street  to  Sconce 
Street  of  Twenty  One  feet,  and  levelling  a  part  of  the  Hill  to  tlie 
Eastward  of  said  Street  to  the  Approbation  of  the  Select  Men  of 
the  Town  and  Conve}'  over  said  Land  to  the  Town  for  a  Common 
High  AVay,  free  from  any  Demand  of  the  Proprietors,  that  then 
the  Town  Allow  to  them  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  Fifty 
Pounds,  and  Accept  of  it  as  a  High  Wa}'. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  b}-  the  Select  Men  relating  to  the  High 
Way  by  the  Fortification,  as  entred  the  8"".  instant. 

Voted  that  the  Select  Men  be  and  hereby  are  desired  and  Im- 
powered  to  bring  forward  any  Suit  or  Suits  in  the  Law  for  the 
Recover}-  and  Possession  of  such  of  the  Upland  Beach  Flatts  and 
Meadow  Ground  as  Abutts  on  the  High  Ways  on  the  Neck  in  this 
Town,  Unless  the  said  High  Ways  shall  be  Speedily  Secured 
[46^.]  From  the  Seas  according  to  the  Covenants  made  unto 
Sundry  Persons  to  whom  said  Upland  Beach  Flatts  and  Meadows 
were  granted  by  the  Town  the  3VK  of  January,  1708.  — 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  Appointed  to  Audit  the  Town 
Treasurers  Acco'^  for  the  Year  past,  as  Entred  in  the  Treasurers 
Book Read Accepted,  and 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  (so  far)  accordingl}'  Discharged. 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  Pounds  be  Allowed  and 
Paid  to  the  Hon.  Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq^  out  of  the  Town  Treas- 
ury, for  his  good  Service  as  Town  Treasurer  the  Year  past. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  Auditing 
the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts,  for  the  Year  ensuing.  Viz'. 
Hugh  Hall  Esq". 
Abiel  Walley  Esq''. 
Joshua  Winslow  Esq^ 
Mr.  James  Allen 
Mr.  John  Wheelwright 
who  are  desired  to  Settle  some  proper  Method  for  the  Treasurer  to 
State  his  Accounts  in,  that  so  the  Town  may  be  always  Acquainted 
with  the  Ballance  thereof. 

Upon  the  Motion  made  by  Mr.  John  Darrell  at  the  Opening  this 
Meeting 

Voted,  That  Hugh  Hall  Esq^ 

Abiel  Walley  Esq',  and 
The  Hon.  Jacob  WendellEsq'. 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  His  Excellency  the  Governour  desiiing 
that  some  Measures  may  be  taken  to  protect  such  Coasters  as  may 
be  bringing  Provisions  Wood  &c.  from  being  Impressed  on  board 
His  Majesties  Ships  of  War,  lying  in  the  Harbour. 

Voted,  A  Grant  of  Eleven  Thousand  Pounds  to  be  raised  by  a 
Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Relief  of 
the  Poor  and  defraying  other  Necessary  Charges  arising  within 
and  for  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[463.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the   Town  of  Boston,  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 


284  City  Document  No.  6Q. 

Town  Meeting  Assembled  on  Tuesday  the  Sixteenth  Day  of  June, 
A.D.  1741. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev^.  Mr.  William  Cooper. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting. Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq'.  One  of  the  Select  Men  in  their 
Name,  Proposed  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Person  or  Persons  to  Serve  tor  and  Represent  them  in 
a  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  the 
Eighth  Day  of  July  next,  And  in  Order  thereto  to  Consider  and 
Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  Accord- 
ingly,   

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 

be  Two  Hundred  and  Eighty And  upon  Sorting  the  Votes 

it    Appeared  that    the   following   Gentlemen    were   Chosen  by  a 
Major  part  of  the  Votes,  Vizt. 

N°.  of  Votes. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cashing 267 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 200 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 262 

Mr.  James  Allen  ......         153 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  Ended,  the  same  was  De- 
clared b}^  the  Select  Men,  And, 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismiss'd. 

[464.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in 
Publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  the  Town  House  on  Monday 
the  Eighth  Day  of  March,  1741. 

Prayer  being  made  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall  D.D. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

The  Inhabitants  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator,  the 
Votes  being  Collected,  it  Appeared  that  Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  was 
Unanimouslj'  Chosen. 

Sundry  Laws,  Read. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  was  Chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing 
and  Sworn  into  that  Office  by  the  Honourable  Anthony  Stoddard 
Esq^ 

Sundrj',  Petitions  Reports  and  Motions. 

Vizt. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wentworth,  relating  to  his  Building  a 
Warehouse  fronting  on  Merchants  Row. 

A  Petition  of  Mr.  Tliomas  Williston  relating  to  his  Publishing 
the  Banns  of  Matrimony  at  the  Brick  Church. 

A  Petition  of  Mess".  Joseph  Simpson  and  John  Hooker  relating 
to  their  digging  Graves  in  the  Burial  places  in  this  Town. 

A  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  the  High  Way  at 
the  South  End  paving  the  same  between  the  End  of  the  present 
Pavement  and  the  Fortification. 

A  Petition  of  the  Engine  Men,  to  be  Excused  from  other  Service 
in  the  Town  and  to  have  the  Premium  Continued. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1741-42.  285 

A  Report  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Pnbliek 
Schools. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  William  Torre}*  that  the  Town  would 
Consider  of  making  some  further  Provision  for  Educating  the 
Children  in  the  Art  of  Writing  in  the  Middle  part  of  the  Town. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  that  a  Committee  be 
Appointed  to  Wait  upon  His  Excellency  the  Governour  [465.] 
To  inform  him  of  the  Circumstances  of  the  Fortifications  in  this 
Town. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Willis  made  the  three  following  Motions  Vizt.  VK 
Whether  Nothing  can  be  done  to  prevent  so  many  Chimneys 
being  Fired  to  the  great  Surprize  of  the  Neighbours  and 
danger  of  burning  the  Town.  2'^.  Whether  Nothing  farther 
can  be  done  in  Order  to  keep  the  Streets  Cleaner  than  they  were 
the  last  Year. 

3'^.  Whether  Nothing  can  be  done  to  prevent  the  great  Disturb- 
ance Occasioned  by  Horses  and  Chaise  in  great  Numbers  Crouding 
into  Town  and  also  out  of  Town  till  Nine,  Ten,  and  sometimes 
Eleven  aClock  at  Night. 

A  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham  that  the  Keeper 
of  the  Granary  be  directed  to  Receive  into  the  Granary  an}-  Quan- 
tities of  Grain  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  Sent  there  for  for 
Charitable  Uses  and  to  be  Delivered  out  again  only  by  Way  of 
Charity  according  to  the  Direction  of  the  Gentleman  that  shall  put 
in  the  same. 

A  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham  that  the  Com- 
mittee Appointed  the  last  Year  to  provide  Cord  Wood  for  the  Use 
of  the  Town  be  desired  to  make  Provission  for  the  receiving  such 
Quantities  of  Wood  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  Landed  by  any 
Gentleman  that  shall  give  the  same  for  Charitable  Uses  to  be  De- 
livered out  again  by  way  of  Charity  according  to  the  Direction  of 
the  Person  that  shall  Land  and  Give  the  same. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  Enquire  into  the 
Towns  Rights  on  and  about  Fort  hill Read. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  take  the  same  into  Considera- 
ation  at  Four  oClock  this  Afternoon  —  Also 

Voted,  That  the  Town  then  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  County 
Treasurer,  and  that,  immediately  before  they  take  the  said  Report 
into  Consideration. 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Select  Men. 

The  Votes  being  accordingly  Collected  and  Sorted,  it  Appeared 
that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  to  [466.]  That  Office' 
for  the  Year  ensuing,  Vizt. 

The  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq''. 

Capt.  Alexander  Forsyth 

Caleb  Lyman  Esq^ 

Jonas  Clarke  Esq''.  }■  Select  Men. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock 

Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke 

Capt.  John  Steel 

Voted  to  Choose  Twelve  Constables  distinct  from  Collectors  of 
Taxes,     accordingly. 


286 


City  Document  No.  66. 


Mess".  James  Barton  Exeus'd 

James  Griffin  (Cordwainer)  Sworn 


Thomas  Speakman 
John  Gibbs  (Painter) 
Newman  Greenough 
Cliarles  Sigourney 
John  Box 
Ebenezer  Coburne 
Nathaniel  Martyn 
James  Minot 
John  Coverly 
Henry  Laughton 


Under  Age 

Sworn 

Pay 

Sworn 

Excused 

Pay 

Pay 

Paid  in  1737. 

Sworn 

Pay 


>■  Constables 


>  Constables. 


were  Chosen  Constables  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 
Mess".  Joseph  Sherburne  Pay 

William  Vassall  Pay 

William  Bowdoin  Paid  in  1737. 

Charles  Sherman  Pay 

Joseph  Edwards  Pay 

William  Beers  Excused 

were  Chosen  Constables. 

[467.]     The  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  Overseers  of 

the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing,  Vizt. 

The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq"" 
William  Tyler  Esq'. 
Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood 
Mnjor  John  Hill 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq'. 
Daniel  Henchman  Esq'. 
Joshua  Cheever  Esq'. 
Andrew  Oliver  Esq'. 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 
Capt.  William  Downe 
Mr.  Isaac  White 
Mr.  Samuel  Hunt 
Then  the  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  County 
Treasurer  which  being  Collected  were  according  to  Law  Sealed  up 
by  Constable  Charles  Sigourne}^  by  him  to  be  kept  and  returned 
to  the  next  Quarter  Sessions  to  be  held  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Then  the  Town  according  to  their  Vote  in  the  Forenoon  pro- 
ceeded to  take  into  Consideration  the  Report  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  Enquire  into  the  Towns  Rights  on  and  about  Forthill, 
which  Report  is  in  the  Words  following,  Vizt. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  a  Meeting  of  the 
Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  said  Town  on  Monday 
the  Ninth  of  March,  1740.  Appointing  and  Impowering  us  the 
Subscribers  a  Committee  to  Enquire  into  the  Town  Rights  on  and 
about  Forthill  &c.  and  making  a  Plan  thereof  We  the  Subscribers 
have  accordingly  Attended  the  said  Service  been  upon  and  Strictly 


Overseers  of  the  Poor. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1741-42.  287 

Viewed  the  Premisses  and  do  according!}''  Report  that  this  Plan 
Represents  the  Town  Lands  on  Forthill  in  Boston  with  the  En- 
croachments that  at  present  Appear  to  be  made  by  Several  of  the 
Abutters  Namelj^  Mr.  Alexander  Hunt,  Jacob  Wendell  Esq"". 
Mr.  [468.]  Brattle  Oliver,  Madam  Phillips  and  Jacob  Wendell 
Esq'',  as  are  Represented  between  the  Red  and  Yellow  Lines  in 
this  Plan  Delineated,  within  which  Lines  the  Encroachments 
appear  to  be  made  as  by  the  Numbers  from  One  to  Five  Mark't 
and  particular!}'  set  down  will  fully  Appear. 

And  We  further  Report  that  We  find  an  Encroachment  made 
by  Col°.  Wendell  Mr.  Parkman  and  Mr.  Ingersoll  on  the  Battery 
Ground  and  Flatts  where  the  South  Battery  so  Called  was  formerly 
Erected  whereon  many  Peices  of  the  Cannon  belonging  to  the 
said  Battery  are  now  lying  and  that  Mr.  Alexander  Hunt  Appears 
to  Us  to  be  a  Trespasser  on  the  Town  Flatts  lying  before  the  said 
Hunts  Dwelling  house. 

Samuel  Adams         "'I 
Shem  Drowne  1  p         .,, 

Jonathan  Williams  [ 
Joseph  Marion         J 

And  after  a  long  Debate  had  thereon,  As  to  that  part  relating 
to  the  Fortifications,  It  was, 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  Chosen  and  Appointed  to  Wait 
upon  the  Captain  General  Requesting  His  Excellency  if  he  please 
to  give  his  Orders  for  the  Removal  of  such  Incumbrances  as  are 
lying  on  the  Battery  Ground  near  Forthill ;  that  so  the  great  Ar- 
tillery and  Warlike  Stores  may  be  preserved,  and  put  into  a  proper 
Condition  for  immediate  Service  when  Occasion  shall  call  for  it. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men,  and  the  Committee  appointed  to 
Enquire  into  the  Town  Rights  on  and  about  Forthill  Vizt.  Samuel 
Adams  Esq''.  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  Mr.  Hugh  Vans  Mr.  Shem 
Drowne  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  be  the  Committee  to  Wait 
upon  the  Captain  General  as  aforesaid. 

Also,  Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  the  other  part  of  the 
Report  be  refer'd  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  at  some 
Distant  Day. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  ToMorrow  Morning 
Nine  aClock. 

[469.]     Tuesday,  March.  9'^^. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood  who  was.  Yesterday  Chose  an  Overseer 

of  the  Poor  desires  to  be  Excused  from  that  Service. 

Mess".  William  Ireland  Pay 

William  MoUineaux  Pay 
Thomas  Fillebrowne  Sworn 
Seth  Foster  Sworn 

Robert  Charles  Excus'd  belongs  to  the  Troop 

Charles  Dabney  Sworn 

John  Barrett  (Shop- 
keeper) Pay 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

The  Select  Mens  Report  on  Mr.  Francis  Willoughby's  Account 


>■  Constables 


288  City  Document  No.  66. 

of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  and  as  Entree!  in  his  Book 

Read And 

Voted,  That  the  said  Report  be  Accepted  &  accordingly  that 
Mr.  Willoughb}^  be  farther  Accountable  for  Thirty  One  Bushels  of 
Rye  and  Twenty  Seven  Hundred  and  One  Quarter  of  Flour,  And 
the  Sum  of  Eight  Hundred  and  Ninety  One  Pounds  Seven  Shillings 
and  Nine  pence  in  Bills  of  Credit  the  whole  of  which  Amounts  to 
the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  Twenty  four  Pounds  &  Nine  pence 
which  remains  in  his  Hands  Exclusive  of  Mr.  Willoughby's  Salary 
for  the  Year  past,  Vizt.  One  Hundred  Pounds  which  is  hereby 
also  Allowed. 

Mess".  Richard  Buckley 
Peter  Thomas 
Joshua  Blanchard 
William  Salter  y  Assessors. 

Daniel  Pecker 
Nathaniel  Barber 
Jacob  Parker 
were  Chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  William  Salter  desires  that  he  may  be  Excused  [470.] 
For  Serving,  as  an  Assessor  for  the  Year  ensuing,  &  upon  hearing 
his  Reason,  It  was 

Voted  that  he  should  be  Excused  accordingly. 

Deacon  John  Phillips  was  Unanimously  Chosen  an  Overseer  of 
the  Poor  in  the  room  of  Capt.  Jeffery  Bedgood. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treas- 
urer, and  it  Appeared  that  the  Honourable  Joseph  Wadsworth 
Esq'^.  was  Unanimously  Chosen  and  Accordingly  Sworn  into  that 
Office  by  the  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq"". 

Mr.  Robert  Charles  Chosen  One  of  the  Constables Appeared 

and  prayed  that  he  may  be  Excused  from  that  Service,  he  being  a 
Listed  Trooper  in  the  Troop  of  Guards  under  the  Command  of 
Estes  Hatch  Esq',  after  some  Debate  thereon.  The  Question  was 
put,  Whether  the  said  Robert  Charles  be  Excused  for  the  reasons 
given  ? 

Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  One  Assessor  in 
the  room  of  Mr.  William  Salter  who  declines  Serving  and  upon 
Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that  William  Fairfield  was  Chosen. 

Mess".  William  Fenwick     Pay       ^ 

JohnScolley  Pay        I  Constables 

Ebenezer  Wallis      Sworn    [ 

Thomas  Haj'es         Sworn   J 
were  Chosen  Constables, 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Wllliston  Sexton   of  the   Old  Brick 

Church,  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting Setting  forth. 

That  he  had  been  Sexton  of  said  Meeting  house  the  Year  past  and 
had  Constantly  Attended  his  Duty  and  it  has  been  an  Ancient 
Custom  that  the  said  Sexton  should  have  the  Benefit  of  Publishing 
the  Banns  of  Matrimon}'-  when  Capable  and  most  of  the  Con- 
gregation are  desirous  that  he  should  have  the  Benefit  of  [471.] 
Publishing  if  he  had  the  Order  of  the  Town  Meeting  for  the  same 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1741-42. 


289 


Praying  the  Town  to  take  the  same  into  Consideration,  and  Grant 

him  leave  to  Publish  according!}' After  a  Considerable  Debate 

thereon  A  Motion  was  Made  &  the  Question  was  put,  Whether  the 
said  Petition  should  be  Dismissed  ?  And  it  passed  in  the  Affirm- 
ative. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  Paving  of  Orange 
Street  at  the  South  end,  from  the  End  of  the  present  Pavement, 

to  the  Pavement  which  extends  to  the  Fortification Read  at  the 

Opening  of  this  Meeting,  came  into  Consideration  and  after  a  long 
Debate  thereon,  The  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Town  will 
now  proceed  to  the  Consideration  of  this  Petition  ?  It  passed  in 
the  Affirmative. 

And  then  another  Question  was  put,  Vizt.  Whether  tlie  said  High 
Way  should  be  Paved  from  the  End  of  the  present  Paving  till  it 
meets  with  the  Pavement  that  extends  to  the  Fortification,  Upon 
Condition  that  any  Abutter  or  number  of  Abutters  to  the  Satisfac- 
tion of  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select  Men  will  Undertake  that  each 
and  every  Abutter  shall  Pay  his  proportionable  part  for  Paving 
the  same?  It  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative;  and  that  the  Select 
Men  be  desired  to  See  the  same  effected  in  the  best  and  Cheapest 
manner,  in  the  above  Conditions. 

Mr.  John  Gibbs  Chosen  One  of  the  Constables  Appeared  and 
pleaded  that  he  is  now  a  Vestry  Man  in  the  Church  of  England 
whereof  the  Reverend  Dr.  Cutler  is  Minister,  and  therefore  desired 
to  be  Excused — after  some  Debate  thereon.  The  Question  was  put 
Whether  the  Town  would  Excuse  him  for  the  reasons  given  ?  And 
it  passed  in  the  Negative. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Three  oClock  in  the 
Afternoon. 


Afternoon,  The  Town  being  Assembled. 
[473.]     Mess".  Andrew  Halyburton  ^ 

Samuel  Service  Sworn  I  tt 

William  Codner  Sworn  f^^^ 

John  Gridley  Sworn  J 

were  Chosen  Hogreves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Joseph  Russell  Sworn  ' 

Caleb  Ray  Sworn 

Thomas  Foster  Sworn 

Benjamin  Russell  Sworn 

John  Adams,  (North  End)  Sworn 
John  Indicott 
Hopestill  Foster 
were  Chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuins: 


reves. 


'  Fence  Viewers. 


Mess' 


Edward  Moberly 
William  Paine 
Moses  Eaj'res 
John  Ruddock 
Joseph  White 
Matthew  Barnard 
Joseph  Ricks 


Sworn  ^ 

Sworn 

Sworn 

o  )'  Viewers  of  Shingles  &c. 

Sworn 
Sworn 


Thomas  Jones,  Not  Capable 


having  a  Weak   Sight. 


were  Chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards,  Timber,  Shingles  &c. 


290 


City  Document  No.  QS. 


Mess".  John  Helyer  Sworn 

Harvey  Thomas  Sworn 

Samuel  Green  Sworn 
Isaac  Fowle 

John  Hobbs  Sworn 

Benj^.  Barnard  Sworn 

Benj°^.  Sault  Sworn 


^    Cullers  of  Staves. 


were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Gardner  jj^fo^mers  ab'.  Deer, 
Richard  Hubbard     j 
to  inform  against  &  prosecute  the  Violaters  of  the  Act  for  the  better 
Preservation  and  Increase  of  Deer  within  this  Province. 

[473.]     Mr.  Isaac  Gridley  was  Chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp  and 
Flax  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Mess".  Samuel  May 

Benjamin  Mason 
Robert  Williams 
William  Darrington 
John  Allen 
Thomas  Inches 
Nathaniel  Hodgdon 


Sworn  ^ 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn   ]-  Sealers  of  Leather. 

Sworn 

Sworn 

Sworn 


were  Chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Richard  Carter  Cowel  was  Chosen   Haward  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 

Mess" 


•n| 

•n  ; 


Constables 


!^  Clerks  of  the  Market. 


Josiah  Carter  Sworn 

John  Nowell    Swor 
were  Chosen  Constables. 

Mess".  John  Ruddock         Sworn 

William  Bowles      Sworn 

Ebenezer  Simpson  Sworn 

Charles  Harrison    Excused 

Astar  Stoddard       Sworn 

John  Miller  Sworn 

Ellis  Wilson  Sworn 

Benjamin  Rankin    Sworn 

Daniel  Williams      Sworn 

Daniel  'Ray  Sworn 

Samuel  Rogers        Sworn 

Daniel  Sigourney    Sworn 

Gamaliel  Wallis      Pay 
were  Chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Mess".  Joseph  Webb 

William  Greenleaf 
William  Salter 
Capt.  Benj*.  Pollard 
Ebenezer  Lowell 
Knight  Leverett 
Capt  Barth".  Cheever 


'  Scavingers. 


Boston  Town  Eecokds,  1741-42.  291 

[474.]     Mess".  Charles  Coffin  ^ 

John  Darrell  | 

Richard  Gooding  )■  Scavingers. 

Nathaniel  Greenwood 
George  Skinner 
were  Chosen  Scavengers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wentworth Read  at  the  Open- 
ing of  the  Meeting,  was  now  taken  into  Consideration 

And  Voted,  That  the  Subject  Matter  of  the  said  Petition  be 
referred  to  the  Select  Men  to  do  what  they  shall  think  proper  and 

most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town. 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Simpson  and  John  Hooker  relating  to 

their  digging  Graves  in  the  Burial  places  in  this  Town Read 

at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting,  was  now  taken  into  Consideration 

and  after  some  Debate 

It  was  Voted  That  the  Prayer  thereof  be  refer'd  to  the  Select 
Men  to  act  therein  as  the}'  shall  think  best  and  most  reasonable. 
The  Petition  of  James  Read  and  others.  Masters  of  the  Fire 
Engines,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  l^heir  Companys  Praying  that 
the}'  may  be  Exempted  from  Serving  in  other  Town  Offices  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  And  that  the  Premium  which  the  Town  hath 
granted  for  Two  Years  past,  to  the  first  Engine  which  should  be 
brought  to  Work  upon  any  Building  on  Fire,  might  be  still  Allowed 

them,  for  reasons  mentioned Read  and 

Voted  That  the  Praj'er  of  the  Petition  be  Granted  provided  there 
be  Two  Men  more  Added  to  each  Engine  &  an  Ax  and  Hook  pro- 
vided to  each  Engine  and  they  bring  with  them  to  the  Fire  the 

said  Ax  and  Hook. 

The  Report  of  the  Select  Men  on  the  Visitation  of  the  Publick 

Schools Read  again  and  is  as  follows.  Viz'. 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled,  March.  8"".  1741. 

[475.]  Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their 
Annual  Meeting  the  Ninth  of  March  last  past.  Desiring  the  Select 
Men  to  Visit  the  Several  Publick  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  to 
desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompany  them  therein,  as  they  shall 
think  proper,  and  to  Report  thereon. 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  Attended  that  Service  on  Wed- 
nesday the  Seventeenth  of  June  last  Accompanied  by  the  follow- 
ing Gentlemen,  Vizt. 

The  Hon.  Josiah  Willard  Esq^ 
The  Hon.  Jacob  Wendell  Esq^ 
The  Hon.  Richard  Bill  Esq^ 
The  Hon.  William  Foye  Esq^ 
Major  Samuel  Sewall 
The  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall  D.  D. 
The  Rev.  INIr.  Thomas  Prince 
The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Webb 
The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Welsteed 
Mr.  Edward  Bromfield,  and 

Mr.  James  Allen 

and  found  the  said  Schools  under  a  good  regulation,  The  Number 


292  City  Document  No.  Q6. 

of  Scholars  in  each  School  were  as  follows,  Vizt.  In  the  South 
Grammar  School  Eighty  Seven,  In  the  South  Writing  School 
Forty  Eight,  in  the  Writing  School  in  Queen  Street  Seventy  four ; 
In  the  North  Grammar  School  Sixty  five  ;  And  in  the  North  Writ- 
ing School  Two  Hundred. 

John  Jeffries         ") 
Caleb  Lyman  j 

Jonas   Clarke  I  Select  Men. 

TnoMAS  Hancock     ( 

MiDDLECOTT  CoOKE     | 

John  Steel  j 

Voted,  That  this  Report  be  Accepted  and  that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Visit  the  Publick  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing,  and  that  they  desire  such  Gentlemen  to  Accompan}^  them 
therein  as  they  shall  think  Convenient,  and  that  they  Report 
thereon. 

[476.]  Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  the  Representatives  of 
Boston  be  Added  to  the  Committee  Chosen  Yesterday,  to  Wait 
upon  the  Captain  General. 

The  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  Choose  a  Com- 
mittee for  Purchasing  Grain  &c.  bj'  a  handy  Vote? 

It  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and 

Mess^^  Jeremiah  Belknap") 

John  Salter  >■  Committee. 

John  Tyler  ) 

were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  Purchasing  Grain,  who  are  hereby 
Impowered  to  give  all  Needful  Directions  to  the  Master  of  the 
Granary,  respecting  the  Quantities  of  Grain  to  be  Sold,  and  Set- 
ting the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  bo  Adjourned  to  Fryday  next,  the 
Twelfth  instant,  at  Three  o'Clock  afternoon. 

Fryday,  March,  12*.  1741. 

The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

On  a  Motion  made.  It  was  Voted  that  for  the  future  the  Town 
shall  not  proceed  to  Act  on  any  Matter  or  thing  which  will  Nec- 
essarily bring  on  a  Considerable  Disbursement  of  Money  without 
its  being  Inserted  in  the  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting. 

The  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  would  do  any  thing 
in  Consequence  of  the  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meeting, 
by  Mr.  William  Torrey,  relating  to  the  Educating  of  Children  in 
the  Middle  part  of  the  Town? 

And  it  passed  in  the  Negative. 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  wait  on  His  Excellency  the 
Captain  General,  the  Eighth  instant,  Requesting  him  to  give  his 
Orders  for  the  Removal  of  such  Incumbrances  as  are  lying  on  the 
Battery  Ground  near  Fort  hill,  that  so  the  great  Artillery  and 
Warlike  Stores  may  be  preserved,  and  put  into  a  proper  Condition 
for  immediate  Service  [4:7 7 «]  When  Occasion  shall  call  for  it, 
made  Report  that  they  had  accordingly  Waited  upon  His  Excel- 
lency and  received  an  Answer  from  him  in  the  Words  following, 
Vizt. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1741-42.  293 

Gentlemen,  Boston  March.  11. 1741. 

You  are  hereby  Directed  to  take  Care  for  the  removal  of  the  In- 
cumbrances that  are  lyuig  on  the  Battery  Grounds  in  Boston,  that 
so  the  great  Artillery  and  Warlike  Stores  may  be  preserved 
and  put  into  a  proper  Condition  for  immediate  Service  according 
to  the  request  of  the  said  Town  in  this  Affair,  You  must 
Attend  the  Select  Men  of  Boston  who  will  Assist  You  and  defray 
the  Charge  of  this  Service. 

To  Mess".  John  Steele,  Shem  Drowne 

and  Jonathan  Williams,  W,  Shirley. 

And  then  a  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Joseph  Marion,  that  the 
following  Vote  might  be  passed,  Vizt. 

Inasmuch  as  His  Excellency  the  Captain  General  has  been 
pleased  in  a  kind  manner  to  Receive  the  Committee  appointed  by 
the  Town  to  Wait  on  him  regarding  the  Incumbrances  on  the  Bat- 
tery Grounds  in  Boston  And  has  also  at  the  Towns  Application 
Appointed  a  Committee  to  remove  the  said  Incumbrances 

Therefore  Voted,  That  the  Town  in  the  most  Dutiful  manner, 
return  their  Sincere  Thanks  to  His  Excellency  the  Governour,  by 
the  Gentlemen  the  Select  Men,  for  his  peculiar  regard  to  the  Town 
in  the  Order  given  by  His  Excellencj-  for  the  removing  the  Incum- 
brances aforesaid.  And  that  the  Town  humbly  trust  that  His  Ex- 
cellency is  really  Disposed  to  preserve  and  protect  the  Rights  and 
Liberties  of  the  Inliabitants  of  this  Town,  as  well  as  their  Persons. 

Which  Unanimously  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  wait  upon  His  Excel- 
lency according!}'. 

A  Question  was  put,  Whether  Capt  John  Steel  Mr.  Shem 
Drowne  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  be  desired  [478.]  To  Erect 
a  Fence  round  the  South  Battery  Grounds? 

It  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and  they  are  desired  to  take  Care 
that  the  same  be  done  accordingly. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Whether  the  Report  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  Enquire  into  the  Towns  Rights  on  and  about  Fort  hill 
as  Entred  the  Eighth  instant  be  Accepted?  And 

It  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative, And  then 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Report  relating  to  the  In- 
croachments  on  Fort  hill  be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town 
Meeting. 

A  Motion  was  made  relating  to  the  Choice  of  Tything  Men,  but 
Nothing  done  thereon. 

On  the  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Willis  at  the  Opening  of 
the  Meeting,  relating  to  Chimneys  being  Fired,  after  a  Debate 
thereon. 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  prepare  a 
Draft  of  a  B3'law  for  the  regular  &  Seasonable  Sweeping  of 
Chimnej-s  and  present  the  same  at  the  next  General  Town  Meet- 
ing.  

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Willis  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meeting, 
relating  to  Horses  and  Chaise  coming  in  and  going  out  of  Town 
late  at  Night,  came  under  Consideration,  but  Nothing  done  there- 
on. 


294  City  Document  No.  66. 

The  other  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  by  Mr. 
Willis,  relating  to  keeping  the  Streets  clean,  the  Town  Apprehend 
comes  under  the  Care  &  Cognizance  of  the  Select  Men  as  Survey- 
ors of  High  Ways. 

On  the  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham  at  the 
Opening  of  ihe  Meeting,  relating  to  Grain. 

Voted,  That  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary  be  directed  to  receive 
into  the  Granary  any  Quantities  of  Grain  as  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  sent  there  for  Charitable  Uses,  and  to  be  delivered  out 
again  only  by  way  of  Charitj'^  according  to  the  Direction  of  the 
Gentlemen  that  shall  put  in  the  same. 

[479.]  On  the  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meeting 
b3-  Capt,  Nathaniel  Cunningham  relating  to  Wood. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  Appointed  the  last  Year  to  provide 
Cord  Wood  for  the  Use  of  the  Town  be  desired  to  make  Provission 
for  the  receiving  such  Quantities  of  Wood  as  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  Landed  by  any  Gentleman  that  shall  give  the  same  for 

Charitable  Uses  to  be  Delivered  out  again  bj^  way  of  Charity 

according  to  the  Direction  of  the  Person  that  shall  Land  and  give 
the  same. 

Mr.  John  Tyler  declining  to  Serve  as  One  of  the  Committee  for 
Purchasing  Grain. 

Deacon  Samuel  Bridgham  was  Chosen  in  his  Room. 


Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  raising  Money  and  Choosing 
Collectors  of  Taxes  be  refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  on  Tuesday  the  Eleventh  Day  of  May,  Anno 
Domini,  1742. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev*^.  Mr.  John  Webb. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting.     Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Hon.  John  Jeffries  Esq^  One  of  the  Select  Men  in  their 
Name,  proposed  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Person  or  Persons  to  Serve  for  and  Represent  them  in 
a  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  Boston  upon 
Wednesday  the  Twenty  Sixth  Day  of  May  instant,  And  in  Order 
thereto  to  Consider  &  Ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be 
Elected,  Accordingly. 

[480.]  Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representa- 
tives. 

The  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found  to 
be  Five  Hundred  and  Twenty  five,  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  Chosen  by  a  Major 
part  of  the  Votes,  Vizt. 

No  of  Votes. 

Mr.  Thomas  Gushing 510. 

Mr.  Timothy  Prout 439. 

Mr.  Edward  Bromfield 322. 

Mr.  James  Allen 372. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1742.  295 

The  Election  of  Representatives  being  ended,  and  the  same  de- 
clared by  the  Select  Men. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  handy 
Vote  and  Mr.  Thomas  Gushing  being  Nominated,  The  Question 
was  put,  Whether  they  would  Choose  the  said  Mr.  Thomas  Cush- 
ing  for  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting, 

And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Richard  Hubbard  relating  to  the  Nu- 
sance  at  the  lower  end  of  Milk  Street,  the  Stoppage  of  the  Water 
there  being  so  great,  that  there  is  no  passing. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Henry  Lloyd  Praying  he  may  have  Lib- 
erty to  take  off  Stones  from  Deer  Island,  Paying  therefore  what 
shall  be  thought  reasonable. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  that  the  Town  would 
represent  to  the  General  Court  the  distressing  Circumstances  of 
this  Town  and  to  Pray  for  Relief  as  to  their  Proportion  of  the 
Province  Tax  which  is  to  be  at  the  next  Sessions  anew  Appor- 
tioned. 

A  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Edward  Moberly  relating  to  Shingles.    • 

Sundr^^  Petitions,  Read Vizt. 

Of  Mr.  Joseph  Clewly  for  Liberty  to  Erect  a  Wind  Mill  on  Fort 
hill. 

Of  Mr.  Zechariuh  Hicks,  Praying  he  may  Succeed  Mr.  Allen  as 
Master  of  the  South  Writing  School  he  desiring  to  Resign  that 
Office. 

[481.]  Of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  respecting  the 
Millers. 

Of  Mr.  Joseph  Savell,  Praying  for  an  Abatement  of  the  Rent  of 
the  Cellar  he  hired  of  the  Town. 

Of  Mr.  John  Lovell  Praying  for  an  Addition  to  his  Salary. 

Of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  Supplying  the  Alms  house. 

Voted,  That  the  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Three  o'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

A  Motion  made  by  Capt.  Benjamin  Pollard,  that  there  may  be  a 
Flagg  provided  for  the  South  Battery. 

A  By  Law  prepared  by  the  Select  Men  for  the  regular  and  Sea- 
sonable Sweeping  of  Chimnies Read,  and  is  as  follows 

Vizt. 

For  the  more  Effectual  Provission  for  the  regular  and  Seasonable 
Sweeping  the  Chimneys  of  this  Town. 

It  is  Voted  and  Ordered. 

That  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  for  the  time  being,  be  hereby 
directed  and  Impowered  from  time  to  time  to  Appoint  One  or 
more  Suitable  Persons  to  be  Sweepers  of  Chimneys  within  this 
Town,  who  shall  give  Security  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Select 
Men  for  their  good  Behaviour  in  Said  Office ;  and  whose  Wages 
for  their  Work  &  Service  in  Lawful  Money  of  this  Province,  shall 
not  exceed  the  Rates  hereafter  mentioned,  Vizt. 

For  each  Chimney  of  Five  Stories  high,  Nine  pence. 

Of  Four  Stories  high.  Eight  pence. 


296  City  Document  ^o.  66. 

Of  Three  Stories  high,  Six  pence. 

And  other  Common  Chimne3's,  Six  pence. 

And  all  Kitchen  Chimneys  that  are  above  the  Tops  of  the  House 
they  belong  to  in  proportion  to  the  heighth  of  the  House  at  the  Rates 
above. 

And  if  any  Person  whomsoever  who  is  not  so  Appointed  as 
aforesaid  shall  presume,  either  by  himself  or  Servant  to  Undertake 
the  Sweeping  of  any  Chimney  in  this  [483.]  Town,  Except  such 
Chimney  or  Chimney's  as  under  his  or  their  own  Improvement  shall 
Forfeit  and  Pay  the  Sum  of  Five  Shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  every  Person  or  Persons  so 
Appointed  by  the  Select  Men  to  be  Undertakers  of  Chimney  Sweep- 
ing, shall  be  Obliged  within  Forty  Eight  hours  (after  Notice  given 
them  in  "Writing)  either  by  themselves  or  some  other  Person  (to 
be  Approved  by  the  Select  Men)  duly  to  Attend  the  Sweeping  of 
such  Chimney,  on  Penalty  of  Forfeiting  the  Sum  of  Five  Shillings 
for  every  such  Neglect. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  upon  Complaint  made  to  any  of 
the  Select  Men,  either  by  the  Chimney  Sweepers  or  by  any  other 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  against  any  Person  or  Persons 
Neglecting  to  have  their  Chimneys  Swept,  being  foul ;  that  in  ever}'- 
such  Case  the  Select  Men  or  an}"  two  of  them,  are  hereby  Im- 
powered  to  Inspect  and  View  the  said  Chimney  or  Chimneys 
Complained  against  as  aforesaid,  And  if  they  judge  the  said  Chim- 
nej's  or  any  of  them  unsafe  to  make  or  keep  Fire  therein,  by  reason 
of  their  being  foul  and  want  of  Sweeping,  and  Signify  the  same  to 
the  Person  or  Persons  then  in  Possessions  of  the  Tenement  to 
which  such  Chimney  doth  belong  that,  then  and  in  every  such  Case, 
the  Occupier  of  ever}'  such  House  or  Tenement  shall  forfeit  and 
Pay  the  Sum  of  Two  Shillings  for  every  Day  in  which  Fire  shall 
be  kept  in  such  Chimney  until  the  same  shall  be  Sufficiently  Swept. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  if  any  Chimney  shall  take 

Fire  and  Blaze  out  at  the  Top,  thro'  Foulness  or  for  want  of  Sweep- 
ing, the  Occupier  of  the  House  shall  forfeit  and  Pay  the  Sum  of 
Ten  Shillings  unless  it  shall  happen  within  Thirty  Days  after  said 
Chimney  shall  have  been  Swept ;  And  then  and  in  such  Case  the 
Person  who  last  Swept  the  same  shall  forfeit  and  Pay  the  afore- 
said Fine  of  Ten  Shillings  Provided  the  said  Fire  shall  be 
Occasioned  thro'  Foulness  or  his  Defect  in  Sweeping. 

This  Order  to  Continue  and  be  in  force  till  the  Town  shall  See 
cause  to  Alter  the  same. 

[483.]  Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  that  the 
Select  Men  be  desired  to  present  the  same  to  the  next  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  holden  for  this  County  for 
their  Approbation 

Voted,  That  when  any  Person  or  Persons  are  Convicted  of  the 
Breach  of  any  part  of  the  aforegoing  Law,  the  Informer  shall  be 
Entitled  to,  and  receive  the  Sum  of  Five  ShilUngs  Lawful  Money 
of  this  Province  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  on  every  such  Convic- 
tion.  

The  Law  of  the  Province  relating  to  Petit  Jurors  being  Head 
and  the  List  of  Jurors  prepared  by  the  Select  Men  being  presented 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1742.  297 

to  the  Town  was  Read  over,  &  Accepted,  And  the  Select  Men  and 
Assessors  are  desired  as  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  List  of  such 
Persons  as  they  judge  proper  and  Qualified  to  Serve  at  the  Superiour 
Court,  and  another  List  of  such  as  they  judge  proper  to  Serve  at 
the  Inferiour  Court  and  Court  of  Sessions  and  Report  thereon  as 
soon  as  may  he. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  John  Lovell  Master  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  Praj'ing  for  an  Addition  to   his  Salary  for  the   Reasons 

mentioned,  came  under  Consideration  and  after  some  Debate 

It  was  put  to  Vote  Whether  the  Town  would  make  an  Addition  to 
Mr.  Lovells  Salary?  And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  And  it  was 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be 
Added  to  his  present  Salary-  to  Commence  on  the  Eighth  Day  of 
July  next. 

The  Petition  of  Mr.  Zacheriah  Hicks  Praying  he  may  Succeed 
Mr.  Samuel  Allen  as  Master  of  the  South  Writing  School  who  has 
resigned,  now  came  under  Consideration,  and  by  a  handy  Vote 
It  was 

Voted,  That  the  said  Mr.  Zechariah  Hicks  shall  be  Master  of  the 
said  School  And  that  his  Salary  be  Two  Hundred  Pounds  in  Bills 
©f  the  Old  Tenor  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury,  to  Com- 
mence as  soon  as  he  shall  take  [484.]  Upon  him  the  Charge  of 
said  School,  and  the  Select  Men  are  desired  to  Inform  him  thereof 
and  to  Induct  him  into  the  Said  School. 

The  Vote  of  the  Council  and  Representatives  of  the  Tenth  of 
April  last  Desiring  His  Excellencj'  the  Captain  General  to  give 
Orders  that  within  Tweh'e  Months  there  be  Erected  within  the 
Town  or  Harbour  of  Boston  a  good  and  Sufficient  Breast  Work  and 
a  Platform  Built  and  Twenty  Guns  Eighteen  Pounders  or  others 
Equivalent  Mounted  and  all  Suitable  Warlike  Stores  procured,  and 
that  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  Pounds  be  Granted  and  paid  out  of 
the  Publick  Treasury  to  the  Order  of  the  said  Town,  they  giving 
Securit}^  to  the  Province  Treasurer  for  the  Erecting  said  Work  and 
procuring  said  Stores,  and  that  the  same  shall  be  from  time  to 
time  Maintained  or  on  the  failure  either  of  their  performing  said 
Work  or  Maintaining  them  the  Money  herebj-  Granted  to  be  repaid 

by  said  Town  into  tiie  Province  Treasury  again.     Read And 

then 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  the  Eighth  of  March 
last,  and  Directed  by  the  Captain  General  the  Eleventh  Day  of  the 
same  to  Remove  the  Incumbrances  that  were  laying  on  the  Battery 
Grounds,  that  so  the  great  Artillery  and  Warlike  Stores  might  be 
preserved  and  put  into  a  proper  Condition  for  immediate  Service, 
being  Read  was  in  the  Words  following.  That  they  had  accord- 
ingly Attended  that  Service,  and  raised  Eleven  Guns  at  the  North 
Battery  out  of  the  Tides  Way  and  laid  them  on  Skidds,  there  being 
no  Platform  to  Mount  them  on.  Also  had  Mounted  Nineteen  Guns 
on  Carriages  on  the  South  Battery  Ground,  after  the  best  manner 
that  could  be,  there  being  no  Platform  to  place  them  on.  Also  had 
raised  Seven  more  out  of  the  Rubbish  and  placed  them  on  Skids  to  the 
Northward  of  the  Sconce  House,  and  according  to  the  Desire  of  the 
Town  had  Erected  a  Fence  and  inclosed  the  South  Battery  Ground 


298  City  Document  No.  66. 

excepting  to  the  Northward  of  the  Sconce,  where  there  is  Erected 
a  New  8hip  belonging  to  Mr.  Daniel  Ingersoll  which  stands  part 
of  her  on  said  Ground  [485.]  And  is  a  great  Nusance  to  the  Pub- 
lick,  that  part  of  said  Ground  to  the  Southward  of  the  Sconce 
which  is  Claimed  by  Jacob  Wendell  Esq',  and  is  also  much  Incum- 
bred  with  Boards  Anchors  Buildings  and  Wharfes,  the  said  Com- 
mittee had  also  Examined  into  the  State  of  the  Warlike  Stores  and, 
find  that  they  are  most  of  them  Lost  and  Destroyed  (Excepting 
Shot  of  which  there  is  a  good  quantity)  for  want  of  a  place  to  pre- 
serve them  in,  the  Sconce  House  being  gone  to  Decay. 

Signed,  John  Steel 

Shem  Drowne 
JoN^.  Williams 
And  after  a  long  Debate  thereon. 

Voted,  to  Choose  a  Committee  of  Five  Persons  to  Consider  in 
what  places  and  in  what  manner  it  will  be  most  proper  for  the 
Town  to  Fortify  themselves  and  Report  theteon  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting And  Accordingly 

The  Hon.  Samuel  Welles  Esq^ 

John  Fayerweather  Esq''. 

Capt.  John  Steel 

Deacon  Shem  Drowne,  and 

Deacon  Jonathan  Williams 

were  Chosen  to  be  this  Committee. 

And  then  it  was  Moved  and  Voted,  That  the  same  Committee 
Consider  in  what  Manner  it  may  be  proper  and  most  for  the  Ad- 
vantage of  the  Town  to  Issue  the  Controversys  relating  to  those 
Persons  that  are  in  Possession  or  Claim  the  Battery  Lands  and 

Report  thereon  at  the  same  time And  then 

Voted  That  the  Select  Men  for  the  time  being  are  hereby  Im- 
powered  as  Agents  or  Attorne3-s  for  the  Proprietors  Freeholders 
and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  to  Demand  of  any  Person  or 
Persons  therein  Concerned  immediately  to  Repair  and  make  good 
all  such  Parcels  of  the  High  Way  on  the  Neck  as  they  are  respec- 
tively Obliged  to  put  and  keep  in  repair  ;  To  take  and  Use  all  Law- 
ful Ways  and  Means  to  Compel  them  so  to  do  ;  To  Enter  upon  and 
take  Possession  of  all  such  Lauds  Tenements  &  Hereditaments 
[486.]  As  by  the  Neglect  of  the  said  Ways  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  Proprietors  or  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  aforesaid  and 
Order  and  Dispose  thereof  at  their  Discretion  for  the  Towns  best 
Advantage  till  further  Order ;  And  Lastly  to  Bring  all  such  Suits 
and  Actions  as  they  shall  judge  proper  for  the  Ends  aforesaid.  And 
to  pursue  or  Discontinue  them  as  they  shall  think  most  Expedient, 
with  full  power  of  Substituting  Attorneys  under  them  for  the  Ends 

aforesaid  as  Occasion  shall  require. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  Friday  the  Four- 
teenth instant  at  Nine  o'Clock  in  the  Forenoon. 

Fryday  Morning,  May.  14'^.  1742.  Nine  o'Clock  The  Town 
being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  being 
Obliged    to   go  out  of   Town  prayed  (by  his  Letter  Sent  to  the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1742.  299 

Town)  that  he  ma}-  be  Excused  from  Attending  any  farther  at  this 
Meeting,  Whereupon  the  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  a  Moderator 
and  the  Question  was  put.  Whether  they  should  do  it  by  a  handy 
Vote?  And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  And  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Cunningham  being  Nominated,  The  Question  was  put,  Whether 
Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham  should  be  Moderator  of  this  Meeting? 
And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Mr.  Savell  was  Ordered  to  Wait  upon  Capt.  Cunningham  to  In- 
form Him  thereof,  who  came  into  the  Meeting,  and  tlien  the  Town 
proceeded  to  Business. 

A  Computation  made  by  the  Town  Treasurer  of  the  Expences 
of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year  was  Read. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke  that  there  be  a 
Committee  Appointed  to  Examine  the  Treasurers  Books  that  so  the 
Ballance  thereof  may  be  l^nown  &  that  they  be  desired  to  get  a 
Set  of  New  Books  and  Settle  some  proper  Method  for  the  Treasurer 
to  State  his  Accounts  in  that  so  the  Town  may  be  Always  Ac- 
quainted with  the  Ballance  thereof,  And  that  some  Person  may  be 
[487.]  Appointed  b}'  them  to  do  tlie  same  under  their  Direction 

Voted,  Tiiat  a  Committee  Consisting  of  Three  Persons  be  ap- 
pointed accordingly,  and  then 

Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq'". 
Mr.  .John  Wheelwright  and 
Mr.  Joseph  Green 
were  Chosen  a  Committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  they  are 
desired  to  make  Report  of  their  Doings  hereon   as  soon   as  may 
be. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  One  Constable 
and  upon  Collecting  them  it  appeared  that  Mr.  William  Moore 
Distiller  were  Chosen  into  that  Office. 

Mr.  John  Indicott  who  was  Chosen  at  the  Meeting  in  March 
last.  One  of  the  Fence  Viewers,  desiring  to  be  Excused  from  that 

Service It  was  Voted,  that  he  be  Excused  accordingly  And 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Viall  Housewright,  being  proposed  in  his  room,  the 
Question  was  put,  Whether  the  said  Viall  be  a  Fence  Viewer  for 
the  Year  ensuing?     And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  in  the 
room  of  Mr.  Gamaliel  Wallis  Chosen  last  March  Meeting  and  paid, 
And  Mr.  Edward  Winter  being  Nominated  he  was  accordingly 
Chose  into  that  office. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Three  Collectors  of  Taxes 
for  the  Year  ensuing  and  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it  Appeared  that 
Mess".  John  Staniford  ^ 

John  Goldthwait  &  >■  Collectors. 
Jacob  Sheafe  ) 

were  Unanimously  Chosen  into  that  Office. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  Appointed  the  Eleventh  instant, 
to  Consider  in  what  places  and  in  what  Manner  it  will  be  most 
proper  for  the  Town  to  Fortify  themselves,  And  also  in  what 
manner  it  may  be  proper  and  most  for,  the  Advantage  of  the  Town 
to  issue  the  Controversys  relating  to  those  Persons  that  are  in 
Possession  of,  or  Claim  the  [488.]  Batter}'  Lands,  was  Read  and 
is  in  the  Words  following,  Vizt. 


300  City  Document  No.  66. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  tlie  Town  at  their  Meeting  the 
Eleventh  instant  to  Consider  in  what  places  and  manner  it  will 
be  most  proper  for  the  Town  to  Fortify  themselves,  Are  of  Opin- 
ion. 

That  the  North  Battery  be  repaired  by  Building  a  Stone  Wall 
all  along  in  the  Front,  Five  thick  at  Bottom  and  Battering  to  about 
Three  feet  and  an  half  thick  at  the  Top,  this  Wall  to  be  built  so 
high  as  to  be  within  a  foot  of  high  water  mark ;  That  this  Battery 
be  extended  about  Thirty  feet  farther  to  the  North  East,  for 
the  whole  Breadth  of  it,  to  be  Built  with  Square  Pine  Timber 
and  the  aforesaid  Stone  Wall  to  be  Continued  along  the 
Front  and  at  the  North  Eastern  end,  that  the  Old  part  of  the 
Battery  and  this  new  Stone  Wall  be  United  and  raised  at  least 
Two  feet  above  High  Water  mark  by  Square  Wiiite  Pine  Timber 
well  put  together,  And  that  upon  the  South  Eastern  Side  or  part 
and  North  Eastern  end  there  be  Erected  a  Breast  Work  of  Square 
White  Pine  Timber  about  Five  feet  thick  and  Five  feet  high ; 
That  there  be  a  Platform  of  about  Twenty  feet  broad  laid  with 
White  Pine  Plank  Two  inches  &  an  half  thick  ;  The  Cost  of  all 
which  We  Apprehend  will  be  about  Three  Thousand  Pounds  Old 
Tenor  according  to  an  Estimate  of  particulars  herewith  presented. 

As  to  the  South  Battery,  the  Committee  are  of  Opinion  that 
the  Sconce  or  House  for  reception  of  the  Stores  be  thoroughly 
repaired,  that  there  be  built  a  -Strong  and  Substantial  Wharfe  of 
Square  Pine  Timber,  about  Forty  feet  broad,  The  Northern  end 
to  be  about  Four  Hundred  feet  and  the  Southern  about  Two 
Hundred  and  Eighty  feet  Eastward  of  the  Sconce,  That  on  it  be 
Erected  a  Breast  Work  of  Five  feet  high  and  Five  feet  thick  for 
the  whole  length  which  We  Apprehend  should  be  about  Two  Hun- 
dred and  Eight}'  feet.  The  Cost  of  the  whole  whereof,  by  the 
best  Computation  We  can  make,  will  Amount  to  something  more 
than  Six  Thousand  Five  Hundred  Pounds  Old  Tenor  [489.] 
Of  the  Particulars  on  which  this  Money  will  be  Expended  a  Sched- 
ule is  herewith   laid  before  the  Town. 

The  Committee  are  of  Opinion,  as  to  the  Controversy  Concerning 
the  Southern  part  of  the  Land,  where  the  Guns  have  been  formerly 
and  now  are  Mounted  (there  being  no  Prospect  of  its  being  ended  by 
Agreement  or  Submission  to  reference)  that  it  be  forthwith  brought 
to  an  issue  by  a  Process  in  the  Law  under  the  Care  of  a  Com- 
mittee to  be  Specially  Chosen  for  that  purpose  All  which  is  Sub- 
mitted in  the  Name  and  by  Order  of  the  Committee. 

Samuel   Welles. 

If  it  shall  be  thought  proper  to  Build  a  Communication  from  the 
Sconce  to  the  Battery,  the  Cost  We  Apprehend  will  be  about 
Fifteen  Hundred  Pounds  by  Order. 

Boston  May.  14.  1742.  Sam^.  Welles. 

And  after  a  long  Debate  thereon.  

A  Motion  was  made  by  Col°.  Wendell  and  Seconded,  That  he 
may  have  leave  to  Read  some  Copies  of  the  Records  of  the  Town 
relating  to  the  Controversy  supposed  to  be  between  him  and  the 
Town  respecting  his  Title  to  his  Lands  at  the  South  Battery,  and 
it  being  put  to  Vote. 

It  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and  they  were  Read. 


BosTOx  Tow^  Records,  1742.        301 

And  then  a  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  whole  of  the  Report 
be  Accepted,  And  it  passed  iu  tlie  Affirmative, 

And  it  was  tlieu  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Affair  of 

the  Batter^-s  should  come  on  at  Four  o'Clock  this  Afternoon 

And  then 

It  was  Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Three  o'Clock 
in  the  Afternoon. 

Afternoon,  the  Town  being  Assembled. 

Mr.  Richard  Carter  Cowell  who  was  Chose  Haward  the  last 
March  Meeting,  desired  to  be  Excused  from  that  Service  for  the 
reasons  given,  Whereupon  the  Question  was  put  Whether  he 
should  be  Excused? 

It  was  Voted  in  the  Negative. 

[490.]  Tlie  Consideration  of  the  Allowance  of  the  Collectors 
of  Taxes  now  cauie  on  and  after  a  Short  Debate, 

It  was  Voted,  That  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  be  &  hereby  is 
Allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  Several  Collectoi's  of  Taxes  within  this 
Town  for  the  Year  ensuing,  Provided  the}'  Pay  in  to  the  Town 
Treasurer  One  half  part  of  the  Suras  b}'  them  to  be  respectively 
Collected,  within  Six  Months  from  the  time  they  shall  receive  the 
Books  from  the  Assessors,  and  the  other  half  part  in  six  Months 
after,  And  in  Case  the}-  or  either  of  them  shall  fail  Paying  the 
Town  Treasurer  in  the  above  manner,  the  said  Collectors  shall 
forfeit  the  aforesaid  Allowance  of  Twelve  pence  on  the  Pound  I'ov 
the  Sum  they  were  to  Collect  in  the  said  Six  Months  wherein  they 
shall  so  fail.  Provided  also  that  they  give  Bond  with  Sulficient 
Suretys  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Office  to  the  Satisfaction 
of  the  Select  Men. 

The  Petition  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  Praying  the  Assessors 
may  be  Allowed  to  Set  npon  Abatements  till  the  last  Day  of 
October  next,    now   came  under   Consideration,    and    after   some 

Debate It  was  Voted  That  the  Assessors  be  Allowed  t(j  Set 

upon  Abatements  until  the  last  Day  of  Jul}'  next  and  no  longer. — ■ 

The  Grant  of  the  General  Court  of  the  Sura  of  One  Thousand 
Pounds  for  Erecting  a  good  and  Sufficient  Breast  Work  and  a 
Platform  built  and  Twenty  Guns  Eighteen  Pounders,  or  others 
equivalent  Mounted,  and  all  Suitable  Warlike  Stores  procured, 
upon  the  Terms  and  Conditions  mentioned  in  said  Grant,  came 
under  Consideration,  And  The  Qnestion  was  put.  Whether  the  Town 
would  Accept  of  the  said  Grant  upon  the  Conditions  therein  men- 
tioned. And  it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative. Also 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  on  behalf  of  the  Town 
to  give  Security  to  the  Province  Treasurer  in  the  manner  reqiiiretl 
by  the  Grant  of  the  General  Court. 

And  then  it  was  moved  and  Voted  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be 
and  hereby  is  directed  and  Irapowei-ed  to  receive  the  aforesaid 
[491.]  Sum  of  One  Thousand  Pounds  of  the  Province  Treasurer 
to  be  by  him  kept  and  paid  out  for  the  I^recling  of  Fortifications 
(and  that  Use  only)  in  this  Town  unto  such  a  Committee  as  the 
Town  shall  Choose  and  appoint  for  that  purpose. 

It  was  then  Moved  and  Voted  that  the  Moneys  for  which  the  throe 


302-  City  Document  No.  66. 

Townships  gi  anted  by  the  General  Court  to  the  Tonui  of  Boston 
were  Sold,  and  the  Interest  arisen  thereon,  be  paid  unto  the  Town 
Treasurer  to  be  by  him  liept  and  paid  out  for  the  Building  of  Forti- 
fications in  this  Town  (and  no  other  Use)  unto  such  a  Committee 
as  the  Town  shall  clioose  &  appoint  for  that  purpose. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  that  shall  be  Chose  for  Erecting  the 
Fortifications  be  desired  to  receive  Subscriptions  of  all  such  Persons 
as  are  willing  to  Encourage  the  Building  the  same. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  the  said  Committee  for  Erecting 
the  Fortifications  or  Batterys,  and  that  they  Employ  One  or  more 
Persons  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  be  Overseers  of  the  Work,  to 
Purchase  Materials  for  the  Building  and  Effecting  the  same,  to  Pay 
off  the  Workmen  every  Saturday  night,  and  do  such  other  things 
as  they  shall  think  proper  for  Compleating  the  same,  and  that  they 
be  as  Expeditious  as  possible  in  carrying  on  said  Work. 

And  tlien  Voted,  That  tlie  Select  Men  be  desired  to  Wait  upon 
His  Excellenc}'  the  Captain  General  to  lay  before  him  the  Votes 
and  proceedings  of  the  Town  relating  to  the  Erecting  of  Fortifi- 
cations, for  his  Allowance  and  Approbation. 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Clewly  read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meet- 
ing the  Eleventh  instant,  now  came  under  Consideration,  and  after 
some  Debate  thereon. 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Pra3-er  thereof  be  so  far  Granted  as  that 
the  said  Joseph  Clewly  be  Allowed  to  remove  his  Wind  Mill  from 
Eoxbury  and  Erect  the  same  on  Forthill  at  his  own  Expence  and  in 
such  place  as  the  Select  Men  shall  Appoint,  and  Pay  to  the  Town 
such  a  Quit  Rent  as  the  Select  Men  shall  think  proper,  the  said 
Wind  Mill  to  Continue  there  during  the  pleasure  ol  the  Town. 

[492.]  On  a  Motion  made  and  Seconded  thut  the  Report  of 
the  Committee  Appointed  to  Consider  what  manner  it  may  be 
proper  and  most  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town  to  Issue  the  Con- 
troversys  relating  to  those  Persons  that  are  in  Possession  of,  or 
Claim  the  Battery  Lands  &c.  as  read  in  the  Morning,  may  be  Re- 
considered so  far  as  it  relates  to  prosecuting  the  Possessors  or 
Claimers  of  said  Lands,  It  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and  then 

It  was  Voted  That  Capt.  John  Steel  Mr.  Shem  Drowne  and  Mr. 
Jonathan  Williams  or  any  two  of  tliem  be  and  hereby  are  Im- 
powered  as  Agents  or  Attorneys  for  the  Proprietors  Fj-eeholders 
and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  to  Submit  to  Reference  the 
Controversy  between  the  Town  and  such  Persons  as  they  shall 
Apprehend  to  have  Incroach'd  or  Committed  any  Trespasses  on 
any  of  the  Lands  or  Flatts  Needful  to  Accommodate  the  South 
Battery  as  the  Guns  have  been  formerly  Mounted  and  such  Award 
or  Arbitrement  as  shall  be  come  into.  Agreed  on  and  given  up  or 
delivered  as  the  Act  of  the  Referrees  Mutually  Chosen  by  the  said 
Agents  or  any  two  of  them,  and  any  Person  or  Persons  in  Con- 
troversy as  aforesaid  shall  be  binding  and  Obligatory  on  the  Town, 
and  be  Esteemed  as  their  Act,  and  finally  End  the  Controvers3'- 
accordingly,  and  in  Case  the  said  Controvers}'  shall  not  be  issued 
by  Reference  within  such  time  as  the  said  Agents  or  the  Major 
part  of  them  shall  think  proper  they  the  said  Agents  or  any  two  of 
them  are  directed  and  Impowered  to  prosecute  the  said  Controversy 


Boston  To\\tt  Records,  1742.  303 

m  the  Law,  and  to  Use  all  proper  Methods  in  the  Law  to  Eject  and 
Remove  any  Persons  intruding  as  aforesaid,  with  full  power  to  Sub- 
stitute any  Attorney  or  Attorneys  under  them  or  any  two  of  them  as 
the^'  shall  think  proper  either  in  Submitting  the  Controversy  to 
Reference  or  Prosecuting  it  in  the  Law,  the  Charge  of  which  to  be 
defrayed  by  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Capt.  John 
Steel  Mr.  Shem  Drowne  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  to  remove  the  Incumbrances  off  [493.]  The 
South  Batter}'  Lands  and  Erecting  a  Fence  there,  for  their  great 
Pains  in  Attending  and  performing  the  Services  desired  of  them. 

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Henrj  Lloyd  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting  the  Eleventh  instant,  Praying  he  may  have  Liberty  to  take 
off  Stones  from  Deer  Island,  was  Considered  And  the  Question 
was  put,  "Whether  he  should  have  Liberty  accordingly  And  it  was 
Voted  in  the  Negative. 

The  Motion  made  by  Mr.  Richard  Hubbard  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting  the  Eleventh  instant,  relating  to  the  Stoppage  of  the 
Water  at  the  lower  end  of  Milk  Street,  was  Considered,  and  Voted 
that  the  same  be  Dismissed,  for  that  the  Nusance  Complained  of 
is  presentable  at  Common  Law. 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Savell  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meet- 
ing the  Eleventh  instant.  Setting  forth  that  on  the  Twentieth  of 
October,  1739.  he  hired  of  the  Select  Men  Two  Cellars  under  the 
Town  House  in  Boston  at  and  after  the  Rate  of  Thirty  Pounds  p. 
Annum  for  One  Year,  ending  Oct.  1740.  which  was  Six  Pounds 
p  Annum  more  than  the  same  was  formerly  Rented  for.  That  the 
Select  Men  by  the  Town  Treasurer  have  made  a  Demand  for  One 
Year  &  Two  Months  Rent  ending  the  Sixteenth  of  December. 
1741.  but  so  it  is  that  the  Petitioner  had  the  Improvement  of  the 
Cellars  for  no  longer  time  than  Seven  Months  of  the  Two  Years 
and  Two  Months  and  had  no  Opportunity  to  make  Use  of  'em. 
Wines  being  prevented  coming  in  by  reason  of  the  War,  Praying 
the  Town  to  take  the  Premisses  into  their  Consideration  and  release 
him  from  the  said  Demand  Amounting  to  Thirt}^  four  Pounds 
Thirteen  Shillings  &  Eight  pence,  The  same  was  now  taken  Con- 
sideration and  after  a  short  Debate  It  was  Voted,  That  the  said 
Joseph  Savell  be  Excused  from  Paying  to  the  Town  Treasurer  the 
said  Sum  of  Thirty  four  Pounds  Thirteen  Shillings  and  Eight  pence 
accord  in gl}'. 

And  then  the  Meeting  was  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  being 
the  Nineteenth  instant,  at  Three  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon. 

[494.]  Wednesday  Afternoon,  May,  19"'.  1742.  3  o'Clock 
The  Town  being  Assembled  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Select  Men  and  Assessors  presented  the  List  of  Jurors  for 
the  Superiour  and  Inferiour  Courts  as  desired  by  the  Town,  and  after 
Reading  the  same  The  Town  proceeded  to  Select  out  of  the  List 
One  Quarter  part  of  the  Number  so  laid  before  them  to  Serve  as 
Jurors  at  the  Superiour  Court,  and  the  remainder  of  them  to  Serve 
as  Jurors  at  the  Inferiour  Court  of  Common  pleas  and  Court  of 


304  City  Document  No.  66. 

General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  pursuant 
to  a  Law  of  the  Province  made  and  passed  at  their  Session  in 
March  last,  and  Voted  That  those  Selected  for  the  Superiour  Cou'-t 
be  put  in  One  Box,  and  the  remainder  to  be  put  into  another  Box 
for  the  Inferiour  Court  of  Common  pleas  and  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace  &c.  — — 

Mr.  William  Moore  who  was  Chosen  a  Constable  at  the  Meeting 
the  14'^.  instant,  having  paid,  the  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice 
of  another  in  his  room,  and  upon  Collecting  and  Sorting  the  Votes 
it  Appeared  that  Mr.  Thomas  Snow  was  Chosen,  who  was  Sworn 
in  accordingly'. 

The  Petition  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  relating  to  Millers  as  therein 

fully  Set  forth and  Read  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meeting  the 

Eleventh  instant,  now  came  under  Consideration,  &  after  some 
Debate  thereon 

The  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Select  Men  be  Desired  to 
draw  up  Instructions  for  the  Representatives  of  Boston  desiring 
them  to  Use  their  Interest  in  the  General  Assembly  to  Obtain  the 
passing  a  Law  to  prevent  Millers  or  any  others  from  Menopolizing 
of  Grain  in  too  great  Quantities. 

And  It  Pass'd  in  the  Affirmative. 

The  Select  Men  presented  to  the  Moderator  a  Letter  they  had 
received  from  Christopher  Kilby  Esq''.  One  of  the  Agents  of  this 
Province  at  the  Court  of  Great  Britain  and  the  same  being  Read 
Informed  the  Town  that  Mr.  Abraham  Francis,  Mr.  John  Jones 
and  Hannah  his  Wife  had  Petitioned  the  King  in  Council  for  Lib- 
ert}^ of  a  hearing  or  Trj^al  of  [495.]  The  Merits  of  a  Cause 
relating  to  the  Town  Dock  which  was  Tryed  on  a  Writ  of  Review 
at  the  Superiour  Court  of  Judicature  held  at  Boston  the  Second 
Tuesday  of  August  A.  D.  1738.  and  then  the  said  Petition  was 
Read.  — — 

The  Motion  of  Mr.  Thomas  Cushing  made  at  the  Opening  of  the 
Meeting,  That  the  Town  would  Represent  to  the  General  Court  the 
Distressing  Circumstances  of  the  Town  and  to  Pray  for  Relief  as 
to  their  proportion  of  the  Province  Tax  which  is  to  be  at  the  next 
Sessions  anew  Apportioned,  now  came  under  Consideration,  And 
it  was  Voted  That  a  Committee  be  Appointed  for  that  purpose,  to 
Consist  of  Three,  and  That 

Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham 
Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq"",  and 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion, 
be  the  said  Committee  and  they  are  desired  to  draw  up  &  Set  forth 
the  distressing  Circumstances  of  the  Town  in  as  full  a  manner  as 
they  can  in  Writing  and  when  they  have  Compteated  the  same  to 
deliver   a   Copy   thereof  to   each   of  the   Representatives  of  the 
Town. 

The  Affair  of  the  Grant  of  Money,  and  the  Treasurers  Salary  is 
refer'd  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  for  Consideration. 

Mr.  Moberly's  Motion  i-elating  to  Shingles  made  at  the  Opening 
of  the  Meeting  the  P^leventh  instant,  came  under  Consideration, 
but  Nothing  done  thereon. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1742.  305 

Capt.  Pollards  Motion   for  a  Flagg  at  the  South  Battery  was 
Considered  of,  but  Nothing  done  thereon. 
Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[496,]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  Qualified  and  lawfulh*  Warned  in  Pub- 
licli  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  the  Town  house  on  Monday  the 
Twenty  fourth  Day  of  May,  A.  D.  1742. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

And  then  the  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq'.  Informed  the  Town 
that  the  first  Thing  to  be  done  is  to  Choose  a  Moderator  and  Capt. 
Nathaniel  Cunningham  being  Nominated  lie  was  Chose  by  a  Handy 
Vote. 

A  Letter  from  Christopher  Kilby  Esq'^.  One  of  the  Agents  of 
this  Province  at  the  Court  of  Great  Britain  relating  to  Abraham 
Francis  John  Jones  and  Hannah  his  Wife  Petitioning  His  Majesty 
in  Council  for  an  Appeal  from  a  Judgment  Obtained  against  them 
by  the  Town  of  Boston  at  the  Superiour  Court  at  Boston  the 
Second  Tuesday  of  August  A.  D.  1738.  was  Read,  and  then  a 
Copy  of  the  said  Petition  sent  by  Mr.  Kilby  was  Read. 

Voted  a  Grant  of  Eleven   Thousand  Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old 

Tenor  to  be  raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates within  the 

Town  of  Boston  for  Relief  of  the  Poor  &  defrejing  other  Necessary 
Charges  arising  within  and  for  the  said  Town  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Report  of  a  Committee  Appointed  to  Audit  the  Town  Treas- 
urers Accot'.  for  the  Year  past  as  Entred  in  the  Treasurers  Book 
Read,  Accepted  and 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  (so  far)  accordingly  Discharged. 

Voted,  That  the  following  Gentlemen  be  a  Committee  for  Audit- 
ing the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  the  Year  ensuing,  Vizt. 
Hugh  Hall  Esq^ 
Abiel  Walley  Esq,. 
Mr.  James  Allen 
Mr.  John  Wheelwright 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Holmes. 

[497.]  Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Two  Hundred  and  Fifty 
Pounds  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor  be  Allowed  and  paid  to  the  Hon- 
ourable Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq'",  out  of  the  Town  Treasurj'  for  his 
good  Service  as  Town  Treasurer  the  Year  past. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  Six  Grand  Jurors  and  draw  Ten 
Petit  Jurors  out  of  the  Box  for  July  Court,  as  Entred  in  the  Book 
kept  for  that  purpose. 

Then  the  Town  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  dul}'  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  on  Monday  the  Thirty  first  Day  of  May.  A.D. 
1742. 

Pra3'er  was  made  b}'  the  Rev*^.  Mr.  William  Cooper. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting.  Read. 

Sundry  Laws Read. 

The  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq^  One  of  the  Select  Men  in 


306  City  Document  No.  66. 

their  Name,  Propos'd  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled,  Whether  they 
would  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Person  to  Serve  for  and  Repre- 
sent them  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  now  Sitting, 
in  the  Room  of  James  Allen  Esq"",  who  is  Chose  One  of  His  Maj- 
esties Council  for  this  Province. 

And  it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

And  the  Votes  being  Collected  the  Number  of  Voters  were  found 
to  be  Four  Hundred  and  Fourteen,  but  upon  Sorting  the  Votes  it 
Appeared  there  was  no  Choice. 

Wliereupon  the  Town  immediately  proceeded  to  bring  in  their 
Votes  again,  and  upon  Sorting  of  'em  it  Appeared  that  there  was 
Three  Hundred  &  Ninety'  Seven  Voters,  but  no  Choice,  And  tlien 
the  Town  immediately  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  again  and 
upon  Collecting  of  them  it  Appeared  there  was  Five  Hundred  and 
Twelve  Voters,  &  upon  Sorting  that  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq"^.  was 
Chosen  by  a  Majority  of  Votes. 

And  then  the  Meeting  was  Dismissed. 

[498.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  dulj"  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  on  Monday  the  Thirteenth  Day  of  September, 
Anno  Domini,  1742. 

Praj^er  being  made  by  the  Rev*^.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall. 

The  Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting Read. 

And  then  a  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  would  proceed 
to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  b\^  a  Written  Vote  or  a  hand^^  Vote  ? 
&  it  passed  for  a  Handy  Vote,  And  The  Honourable  Thomas  Cush- 
ing  Esq"",  being  Nominated,  he  was  accordingl}'^  Chosen. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Middlecott  Cooke  that  the  Town 
would  take  into  their  Consideration  some  proper  Method  for  the 
better  Government  &  Regulation  of  the  North  Writing  School. 

A  Motion  was  made  by  the  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq'',  that 
the  Thanks  of  the  Town  may  be  given  to  Peter  Faneuil  Esq'',  for 
his  Noble  and  Generous  Benefaction  of  the  Market  House  to  the 
Town,  and  that  a  Committee  ma}'  be  Chosen  to  draw  up  a  Vote  of 
Thanks  and  present  the  same  to  the  Town  for  their  Approbation. 

Thereupon, 

Voted,  That  The  Hon.  Adam  Winthrop  Esq''. 
Thomas  Hutchinson  PZsq". 
The  Hon.  Edward  Hutchinson  Esq". 
The  Hon.  Samuel  Waldo  Esq^  & 
The  Hon.  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq', 
be  the  Committee  for  that  purpose. 

On  a  Motion  made,  A  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Town  will 
have  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  Appointed  ?  And  it  was  Voted  in  the 
Affirmative,  Also 

Voted,  That  the  Clerk  of  the  Market  shall  be  Appointed  or 
Chosen  Annuall}"  from  and  after  the  General  Town  Meeting  in 
March  next. 

[499.]  And  then  the  Honourable  John  Jeffries  Esq''.  Moved 
that  the  Town  would  make  an  Offer  to  Peter  Faneuil  Esq"",  that  he 
may  have  the  Appointing  the  Clerk  of  the  Market. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1742.  307 

And  then  it  was  Moved  and  Voted,  that  the  Committee  Ap- 
pointed to  draw  up  a  Vote  of  Thanks  to  Peter  Faneuil  Esq^  forth- 
with  Withdraw  into  One  of  the  Lobbej-s  to  do  the  same. 

Then  Moved  and  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  Wait  on  Peter 
Faneuil  Esq"",  to  Desire  of  him  that  he  would  Nominate  a  proper 
Peison  for  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  till  the  Annual  Town  Meeting  in  . 
Marcli  next. 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  draw  up  a  Vote  of  Thanks  to  Peter 
Faneuil  Esq^  for  his  Noble  and  Generous  Benefaction  of  the 
Market  House  to  the  Town,  Presented  the  same  which  was  Read, 
and  is  in  the  Words  following,  Vizt. 

Whereas  Information  was  given  to  tliis  Town  at  their  Meeting 
in  Jul}',  1740.  That  Peter  Faneuil  Esq*",  had  been  Generously 
pleased  to  Offer  at  his  own  proper  Cost  &  Charge  to  Erect  and 
Build  a  Noble  and  Compleat  Structure  or  Edifice  to  be  Improved 
for  a  Market  for  the  Sole  Use  Benefit  and  Advantage  of  the  Town, 
Provided  the  Town  of  Boston  would  pass  a  Vote  for  that  pui'pose 
and  lay  the  same  under  such  proper  Regulations  as  shall  be  thought 
NecGssar}'  &  Constantly  Support  it  for  the  said  Use,  And  Where- 
as at  the  said  Meeting  it  was=<letermined  to  Accept  of  the  Offer  or 
Proposal  aforesaid  And  Also  Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  should 
be  desired  to  Wait  upon  Peter  Faneuil  Esq^  and  to  present  the 
Thanks  of  this  Town  to  him  and  also  to  Acquaint  him.  That  the 
Town  have  b}'  their  Vote  come  to  a  Resolution  to  Accept  of  his 
Generous  Offer  of  Erecting  a  Market  House  on  Dock  Square 
according  to  his  Proposal.  And  Whereas  Peter  Faneuil  Esq'',  has 
in  pursuance  thereof  at  a  very  great  Expence  Erected  a  Noble 
Structure  far  exceeding  his  first  Proposal  Inasmuch  as  it  Contains 
not  only  a  large  and  Sufl3cient  Accommodation  for  a  Market  place, 
but  has  also  Superadded  a  Spacious  and  most  Beautiful  Town 
[500.]  Hall  over  it,  and  Several  other  Convenient  Rooms  which 
may  prove  very  Beneficial  to  the  Town  for  Oifices  or  otherwise  And 
the  said  Building  being  now  Finished  has  delivered  Possession 
thereof  to  the  Select  Men  for  the  Use  of  the  Town. 

It  is  therefore  Voted,  That  the  Town  do  with  the  Utmost  Grati- 
tude receive  and  Accept  this  most  Generous  and  Noble  Benefaction 
for  the  Uses  and  Intentions  thej^  are  designed  for,  and  do  Appoint 
The  Honourable  Thomas  Gushing  Esq"^.  the  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  The  Honourable  Adam  Winthrop,  Edward  Hutchinson, 
Ezekiel  Lewis  and  Samuel  Waldo  Esq".  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq"^. 
The  Select  Men  and  Representatives  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  The 
Honourable  Jacob  Wendell  Esq''.  James  Bowdoin  Esq^  Andrew 
Oliver  Esq'.  Capt.  Nathaniel  Cunningham,  Peter  Chardon  Esq^. 
and  Mr.  Charles  Apthorp  to  Wait  upon  Peter  Faneuil  I^sq"".  in  the 
Name  of  the  Town  to  render  him  their  Most  heartj^  Thanks  for 
so  Bountiful  a  Gift  with  their  Prayers  that  this  and  other  Expres- 
sions of  His  Bounty  &  Charity  ma}'  be  Abundantl}'  Recompenced 
with  tlie  Divine  Blessing. 

And  then  the  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  would  Accept 
of  the  same?     And  it  was  Uuanimousl}', 

Voted,  in  the  Affirmative,  And  the  Gentlemen  therein  named 
are   Desired    in   the   Name,    and   as    a   Committee  of  the  Towu 


308  City  Document  No.  6G. 

to  present  the  same  unto  the  said  Peter  Faueuil  Esq'',  accord- 
ingly. 

And  then  a  Motion  was  made  b}'  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq^  that 
in  Testimony  of  the  Towns  Gratitude  to  the  said  Peter  Faneuil 
Esq^  and  to  perpetuate  his  Memory  the  Town  would  now  pass  a 
Vole  that  the  Hall  over  the  Market  place,  be  named  Faneuil  Hall, 
and  at  all  limes  hereafter  be  called  and  known  b}'  that  Name. 

Which  was  accordingly  Unanimousl\'  Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

And  then  a  Motion  was  made  by  Mr.  William  Price  that  as  a 
further  Testimony  of  the  Towns  Gratitude  to  the  said  Peter  Fan- 
euil Esq''.  The  Picture  of  the  said  [501.]  Peter  Faneuil  Esq'',  may 
be  drawn  in  full  Length  and  placed  in  the  said  Hall,  at  the  Expence 
of  the  Town. 

Which  was  also  Unanimousl}-  Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

And  the  Select  Men  are  desired  to  take  Care  that  the  same  be 
done  accordingl}'. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  and  hereby  are  Desired  to  draV 
up  Rules  and  Orders  for  Regulating  the  Market,  and  present  the 
same  for  the  Towns  Approbation  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meet- 
ing. 

Voted,  That  the  Market  be  Opened  the  Twenty  fifth  Instant. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  next  at  Three 
o'clock  in  the  Afternoon,  at  Faneuil  Hall. 

Fryday  Afternoon,  September.  17"'.  1742. 

The  Town  being  Assem''led  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  Choose  Ten  i*etit  Jurors  out  of  the  Box 
for  October  Court,  as  Eutred  in  the  Book  kept  for  that  purpose. 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  Wait  on  Peter  Faneuil  Esq''  with 
the  Vote  of  Thanks  as  Agieed  to  by  the  Town,  Reported,  they  had 
done  so  accordingly  &  he  made  Answer  that  it  was  an  Honour 
Show'd  him  by  the  Town  he  could  not  Expect,  he  hoped  what  he 
had  done  would  be  for  the  Service  of  the  whole  Conntrey,  and  in  a 
particular  manner  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  that  AVhenever  it  was 
in  his  Power  to  Serve  the  Town  he  should  be  always  ready  to  do  it. 

The  Select  Men  who  were  desired  to  Wait  on  Peter  Faneuil  Esq'', 
desiring  him  to  Nom.inate  a  proper  Person  for  a  Clerk  of  the  Mar- 
ket, Reported  that  they  had  accordingly  so  done  and  he  Nomi- 
nated Mr.  Thomas  Jackson  of  Boston  Merchant. 

A  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  Town  would  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  b}'  a  handy  Vote? 

[503.]  And  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  And  Mr.  Thomas 
Jackson  who  was  Nominated  by  Peter  Faneuil  Esq^  being  pro- 
posed. 

He  was  Unanimously  Chosen. 

The  Select  Men  also  Acquainted  that  they  had  "presented  to 
Peter  Faneuil  Esq'',  a  Copy  of  the  Vote  relating  to  the  Drawing  of 
His  Picture,  which  he  took  very  kindly  of  the  Town,  and  would 
Sat  any  time  to  have  the  same  done. 

•  A  Motion  was  made  that  the  Town  would  take  into  Consider- 
ation the  Salary  or  Allowance  to  be  made  or  given  to  the  Clerk  of 
the  Market, After  some  Debate, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1742.  309 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  same  be  refer'd  to  next  March  Meeting, 
and  as  it  is  a  Granting  of  Money,  that  the  Select  Men  put  it  into 
the  Warrant  and  Notifications  for  calling  the  said  Meeting. 

The  Honourable  Joljn  Jeffries  Esq^  Communicated  to  the  Town 
a  Letter  the  Select  Men  had  received  from  His  Excellency  the 
Governour,  Setting  forth  that  His  Excellency  had  received  His 
Majesty's  Picture,  by  virtue  of  a  Warrant  from  My  Lord  Chamber- 
lain &  hath  an  Intention  to  make  the  Town  of  Boston  a  present  of 
it,  to  be  hung  up  in  Faneuil  Hall,  desiring  the  Select  Men  would 
take  a  proper  Opportunity  of  Communicating  His  Excellency's 
said  Intention  to  the  Town Whereupon 

It  was  Unanimously  Voted,  That  the  Honourable  Adam  Winthrop, 
Samuel  Waldo  and  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq",  be  a  Committee  to  draw  up 
a  proper  Vote  of  Thanks  to  liis  Excellency  for  his  great  Goodness 
and  Generosity  in  making  the  said  Present. 

The  Select  IVJ^en  presented  to  the  Town  a  Draft  of  a  By-Law  for 
the  Regulation  and  Government  of  the  Market,  which  was  Read 
and  is  in  the  Words  following,  Viz'. 

[503.  ]  Whereas  Peter  Faneuil  Esq^  has  Erected  a  large  and 
Commodious  House  for  a  Market  for  the  Use  of  the  Town  to  be 
Improved  by  them  for  a  Publick  Market  under  such  Regulation  as 
the  Town  sh;dl  think  fit,  And  the  Town  having  at  a  General 
Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  called  for  that 
purpose,  September.  13'^  1742.  by  their  Vote  Accepted  of  the 
same. 

Therefore  for  the  Regulation  &  Government  of  the  said  Mar- 
ket. 

Its  Voted  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Jackson  Merchant,  be 
and  hereb}-  is  Constituted  and  Appointed  Clerk  of  said  Market, 
until  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  in 
March  next,  and  until  another  be  Appointed  in  his  Room,  and  to 
have  and  receive  such  Salary  for  his  Service  as  shall  be  Voted  b}' 
the  Town  who  is  to  give  his  Constant  Attendance  at  the  Opening 
of  the  Market,  and  there  Abide  during  the  Continuation  thereof  and 
take  effectual  Care  that  the  Several  Rules  Oixlers  and  Directions  for 
Regulating,  and  more  Orderly  Carrying  on  of  the  Market,  be  duly 
Observed  and  kept. 

Ordered,  That  every  Day  in  the  Week,  except  Lord's  Da3^  or 
other  Days  Set  a  part  by  the  Government  for  Religious  Service  be 
a  Market  Da}',  and  that  a  Bell  be  daily  Rimg  at  the  Opening  of 
the  Market  which  shall  be  at  Sun  Rise,  thro'  the  whole  Year  from 
which  Hour  till  the  Hour  of  One,  Post  Meridiem,  Shall  forever 
hereafter  be  deemed  and  held  Market  Hours;  And  that  if  any 
Huckster  or  Retailer  shall  make  any  previous  Contract  touching 
the  Buying  any  Provisions  with  any  Seller  or  Buy  the  same 
(Except  for  their  Families  Use)  coming  to  the  Market  or  in  the 
Market  until  One  in  the  Afternoon  shall  for  every  such  Offence 
he'mcr  duly  Convicted  thereof  Pay  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Shillings 
Lawful  Money. 

And  its  further  Ordered,  That  no  Unwholsome  Stail  or  Blown 
Meat  or  Leperous  Swine  be  Sold  or  exposed  to  Sale  in  saicT  Mar- 
ket under  the  Penalty'  of  Ten  Shillings  to  be  paid  by  every  Offender 


310  City  Document  No.  QQ. 

for  every  such  [504.]  Offence,  And  that  the  Clerk  of  the  Market 
for  the  time  being  shall  take  Care  that  the  Laws  of  the  Province, 
And  the  Orders  of  the  Town  (legally  Confirmed)  respecting  Un- 
wholesome and  Blown  Meat,  as  also  the  Weighing  &  Measuring 
of  what  is  Sold,  be  Strictly  Observed,  and  prosecute  any  Offender 
or  Offenders  against  the  same. 

And  it  also  Ordered,  That  no  Steelyards  shall  be  naade  Use  of 
in  Weighing  within  the  Limits  of  the  Market,  on  Penalty  of  For- 
feiting Five  Shillings  for  every  such  Offence. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  in  Order  to  make  the  Market  . 
more  Convenient. 

That  it  be  daily  Swept  and  kept  Clean  &  the  Doors  and  Windows 
Shut  up  at  Sun  Set,  and  that  no  Cart,  Team,  Horse,  Wheelbarrow 
nor  any  thing  else  that  may  incommode  the  Market  shall  be 
Allowed  to  Stand  or  be  near  the  Entrance  of  the  Market  place, 
but  shall  be  immediately  removed  upon  the  Direction  of  the  Clerk 
of  the  Market  to  the  Owner  or  Occupyer  of  the  same  so  to  do, 
under  the  Penalty  of  Five  Shillings  for  refusal  or  Neglect  there- 
of. 

Voted,  That  Whereas  the  Principal  intent  of  said  Market  is  to 
Encourage  and  Accommodate  the  Countrey  People  who  bring  Pro- 
visions into  this  Town  for  the  more  Plentiful  Supplying  of  the 
Inhabitants  at  the  First  hand  with  the  same. 

Its  hereby  Ordered,  That  none  of  the  Butchers  or  any  other 
Persons  who  Buy  within  this  Town  to  Sell  again,  shall  at  anj'  time 
bring  into  the  Market  House,  or  Expose  to  Sale  there  any  Sort  of 
Necessary s  or  Provisions,  and  are  hereby  Excluded  all  Stalls  and 
Standings  in  the  same. 

Its  farther  Ordered,  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  Appointed  a  Committee  to  take  Care  of  the  Repairs  of  the  said 
House,  and  from  time  to  time  to  Apportion  the  Size  Mark  and 
Number  the  Several  Stalls  therein  and  to  Set  or  Let  the  same  to 
Persons  desiring  the  same  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town. 

And  if  any  Dispute  or  Disturbance  be  made  or  Arise  [505.] 
Between  the  Buyer  and  Seller  as  to  Weight  or  Price  Agreed  for  it 
shall  be  Adjusted  by  the  Clerk  of  the  Market,  And  the  Person  re- 
fusing Compl3'ance  therewith  shall  be  Ordered  out  of  the  Market 
or  Pay  a  Fine  of  Five  ShiUings. 

And  its  hereby  Ordered,  That  all  and  every  of  the  Forfeitures 
and  Penalties  w'hich  shall  happen  at  any  time  hereafter  to  be 
incurr'd  and  Forfeited  by  virtue  of  this  B3'-Law,  touching  which  no 
particular  Direction  is  heretofore  given  shall  be  One  half  to  the 
Informer  the  other  to  the  Poor  of  the  Town. 

And  its  Ordered,  That  the  Market  shall  be  Odened  on  Saturday 
the  Twenty  fifth  of  this  present  September,  And  that  Notice  thereof 
be  given  in  the  Publick  Prints  of  this  Town. 

This  By-Law  to  be  and  Continue  in  Force  until  the  Town  shall  find 
it  Convenient  to  disannull  the  same,  and  that  the  By-Law  relating 
to  the  Market  made  and  passed  by  the  Town  at  their  Meeting  the 
Twenty  fouilh  day  of  April  A.  D.  1734  be  and  hereby  is  Disan- 
nulled.* 

After  some  Debate,  Voted  that  the  By-Law  for  regulating  the 


Boston  Town  RecoPvDS,  1742.  311 

Market  be  Considered  Paragraph  by  Paragraph,  which  was  done 
aud  Voted  as  drawn  up.  — Also 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  to  present  it  to  the  Court 
of  G-eneral  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  next  to  be  holden  at  Boston  for 
the  Count}'  of  Suffolk  for  their  Approbation. 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  draw  up  a  Vote  of  Thanks  to  His 
Excellenc}'  the  Governour,  Reported  that  the}'  had  done  the  same, 
which  was  Read  and  Accepted,  being  in  the  Words  following, 
Vizt. 

Whereas  His  Excellency  the  Governour  has  been  pleased  to 
Manifest  his  high  Regard  to  this  Town  by  making  a  present  of 
His  Majesty's  Picture  to  be  Set  up  in  Faneuil  Hall,  The  Town  are 
deepl}'  Sensible  of  the  Great  Honour  His  Excellency  has  therein 
done  them,  and  do  therefore  Order  that  a  Committee  be  Appointed 
to  Wait  upon  [506.]  His  Excellency  and  in  the  Name  of  the 
Town  to  Return  Him  their  Most  Humble  Thanks  for  so  Valuable 
A  present  and  to  Assure  His  Excellency  that  it  shall  Alwa3's  be 
the  Care  &  EndeaA-^our  of  this  Town  to  do  what  in  them  lyes  to 
make  his  Excellencys  Government  Eas}'  and  Happ}-. 

Unanimously  Voted,  That  the  same  be  Accepted,  and  that  the 
Honourable  Thomas  Cusliing  Esq'",  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting, 
The  Honourable  Adam  Winthrop,  Ezekiel  Lewis  and  Samuel  Waldo 
Esq".,  The  Select  Men  and  Representatives  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
be  a  Committee  in  the  Name  of  the  Town  to  Wait  on  His  Excel- 
lency with  a  Cop3'  of  the  same. 

On  the  Motion  made  at  the  Opening  of  this  Meeting  by  Mr. 
Middlecott  Cooke  relating  to  the  North  Writing  School. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  refcr'd  for  further  Consideration  until 
the  Select  Men  who  Visit  the  Schools  make  Report  thereon. 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  be  desired  to  dispose 
of  the  Several  Rooms  and  Apartments  in  the  Market  House,  as 
shall  be  most  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Town  and  Cause  all  the  Books 
Papers  and  Records  of  the  Town  to  be  removed  into  such  of  the 
Lobbeys  as  they  shall  think  proper  &  that  the  Town  Clerks  Office 
be  kept  therein. 

The  Select  Men  Communicated  to  the  Town  a  Letter  they  had 
received  from  Christopher  Kilby  Esq"",  bearing  Date  London 
as  also  a  Petition  of  Abraham  Francis  John  Jones  &  Hannah  his 
Wife  to  His  Majesty  in  Council,  which  were  Read,  but  Nothing 
done  thereon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dismist. 

[507.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  dul}'  Qualified  and  lawfully  Warned  in  Pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monda}'  the  27. 
Day  of  December,  1742. 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting Read. 

And  then  a  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  would  pro- 
ceed to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  written  Vote  or  a  handy 
Vote? 

And  it  passed  for  a  Handy  Vote,  And  the  Honourable  Thomas 
Cushing  Esq^  being  Nominated,  he  was  accordingly  Chosen. 


312  City  Document  No.  QG. 

The  three  following  Motions  were  made  by  Mr.  Middlecott 
Cooke,  Vizt. 

That  some  further  Care  ma}-  be  taken  about  the  Law  lately  made 
for  Packing  of  Provisions. 

That  some  Care  be  taken  for  the  just  Admeasurement  of  Cord 
Wood. 

And  that  some  Care  may  be  taken  as  to  the  Assize  of  Bread. 

A  Petition  of  Several  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  (to  the  Select 
Men)  for  making  a  further  Representation  of  the  Distressing  Cir- 
cumstances of  the  Town,  and  their  Inability  to  Pa}'  the  Tax  now 
laid  on  them  by  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives  in  Order 

to  Obtain  some  Redress  in  the  Affair being  Read,  and  after 

a  long  Debate  thereon 

Voted,  That  the  Select  Men  be  desired  in  behalf  of  the  Town 
immediately  to  Petition  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives 
that  as  a  great  part  of  the  Personal  Estate  with  their  Trading  Stock 
and  Faculty  in  the  Countrey  Towns  is  not  Exhibited  nor  have  they 
Doomed  them  as  We  humbl}'  Apprehend  in  proportion  to  what 
they  have,  And  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  are  Doomed  for  much 
more  than  the}'  have.  That  they  would  in  their  Wisdom  &  Justice, 
Either  make  us  a  reasonable  Abatement  of  the  proportion  they 
have  been  pleased  to  Assign  to  Us  and  Charge  the  Several  Coun- 
trey Towns  for  what  Personal  Estate  and  Trading  Stock  and  Fac- 
ulty they  really  have  altho'  not  brought  in,  or  otherwise  Allow  Us 
time  for  exhibiting  Our  Personal  Estate  with  Trading  Stock  and 
Faculty  in  the  same  manner  the  Countre}-  Towns  have  done. 
Accept  the  same  from  Us  and  State  Our  Proportion  accordingly. 

On  the  Motions  made  by  Mr.  Cooke  at  the  Opening  of  the  Meet- 
ing. 

Voted,  That  it  be  Recommended  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  bring  forward  in  the  Great 
and  General  Court,  Laws  for  the  more  just  Admeasurement  of 
Cord  Wood,  and  Packing  of  Provisions,  And  also  for  the  just 
Assize  of  Bread  Baked  for  Sale. 

Then  the  meeting  was  Dismist. 

[508.]  Boston  December.  27.  1742. 

The  following  Petition  was  Drawn  up,  Signed  &  Presented  by 
the  Select  Men  to  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives,  ac- 
cording to  the  Vote  of  the  Town  of  this  Day.     Vizt. 

To  the  Honourable  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Province  of 
the  Massachusetts  Ba,y  in  New  England. 

The  Petition  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  of  Boston  by  Order 
and  in  behalf  of  said  Town. 

Most  Humbl}^  Sheweth, 

That  to  Our  great  Grief  We  are  informed  that  the  Honourable 
House  have  in  their  present  Session  Voted  to  increase  Our  Burden 
.  by  Adding  about  Ten  Pounds  to  Our  Proportion  of  each  Thousand 
Pounds  of  the  Province  Tax,  And  as  We  humbl}^  Apprehend  this 
to  have  proceeded  from  a  Mistaken  Opinion  which  the  Honourable 
Members  have  Conceived  of  the  present  State  and  Condition  of  the 
Town We  beg  Leave  to  Represent  to  the  Honourable  House, 


Boston  Town  Records,   1742.  313 

That  Our  Xumbers  are  decreased,  Our  Trade  is  declining,  Our 
Estates  are  lessened,  Our  Poor  are  increased  and  Our  Necessary 
Expences  in  Our  Families  are  daily  growing  upon  Us,  tliough  this 
last  mentioned  Difficulty  which  proceeds  from  the  Price  of  Provis- 
sions  being  much  Advanced  We  Submit  to  with  the  greater  Chear- 
fulness  because  what  in  this  Respect  is  a  Loss  to  Us  in  the  Town 
is  a  gain  to  Our  Brethren  of  the  Countrej^  where  the  Provissions  are 
Raised. 

We  readih'  Acknowledge  it  to  be  Difficult  to  Determine  the 
exact  Proportion  of  the  Town  to  the  Countrey  tho'  We  humbly 
Apprehend  the  present  Disproportion  may  be  made  Apparent  and 
indeed  some  of  Our  Wealthier  Inhabitants  have  alread}'^  Left  the 
Town  that  the}'  may  pay  less  Taxes  in  the  Countrey  and  others 
are  preparing  to  follow  them. 

We  beg  Leave  to  lay  before  the  Honourable  House  the  Vote  of 

the  Town  in  which  they  express  their  Willingness  that  their  true 

State  and  Condition  should  be  known  as  exactl3'as  possible.  And 

We  humbly  Pray  the  Honourable  House  to  take  this  Vote  and  Our 

Distressed  Circumstances  into   their  Wise   Consideration  and  to 

Afford  us  such  Relief  as  to  their  Wisdom  shall  seem  meet And 

Your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  &c. 

John  Jeffries 

Alex^.  Forsyth 

Jonas  Clarke  i   o  i    <.  tit 

rri  TT  y  Select  Men, 

Thomas  Hancock 

MiDDLECOTT  CoOKE 

John  Steel 


[This   ends  the  record   for  the  year    1742,  and    this  point  is 
chosen  to  terminate  the  present  volume.  — W.H.W.] 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Adams,  2,  3,  4,  5, 11,  12,  13,  16,  18, 19,  22,  24, 
26,  2T,  34,  35,  36,  38,  54,  58,  84, 95,  98,  99, 
104,  114,  115,  150,  151,  155,  157,  168,  190, 
194,  210,  222,  224,  229,  231,  234,  244,  248, 
253,  254,  264,  266,  267,  269,  275,  278,  287, 
289. 

Alcock,  161. 

Alexander,  194. 

Alford,  7,  8,  41,  49. 

f  Allen,  56,  59,  62,  99,  109,  113, 157,  158, 173, 
j  195,  201,  20  i,  208,  211,  212,219,  225,  243, 

J         244,  230,  257,  263,  265,  267,  276, 281,  283, 

i  284,  290,  291,  294,  295,  297,  305,  306. 

I  Allin,  11,  12,  13,  18,  19,  20,  21,  39,  103,  187. 
[  Allvn,  210. 

Alley  Bell,  132. 

Aptliorp,  105,  224,  307. 

Arbulhnot,  195. 

Arinltage,  38,  49,  55,  61,  67,  72,  73,  79,  84,  88, 
96,  109,  113,  126,  143,  149,  152,  163, 164, 
168,  169,  171,  179,  181,  184,  186,  187,  188, 
209,  213,  220,  221,  242,  243,  245,  246,  256. 

Armstrong,  5,  18,  21. 

Atkins,  180. 

Auchmuty,  112. 

Audcbert,  155. 

Avery,  154,  185. 

Ayres,  28,  29,  40,  99,  244. 

I  Babbage,  28. 
iBabbidee,  99, 111,191. 
Baker,  1,'"2,  5,  60,  66,  89, 132,  217. 
Ballantine,  95. 
4BaUard,  78,  247. 
Balstou,  118,  124,  250,  273. 
Band,  247. 
Barber,  3,  30,  53,  59,96, 123, 134, 142, 158, 167, 

182,  191,  208,  216,  218,  242,  245,  266,  288. 
Barker,  185. 
Barnard,  38,  99,  128,  133,  157,  190,  212,  244, 

266,  289,  290. 
Barntt,  3,  28,  30. 
)  Barrel,  11. 
)  Barren,  263. 
\  Barrel,  30,  158, 181. 
I  Barrett,  287. 
Barricado,  The,  25. 
Barron,  85. 
Barton,  286. 
Bass,  193,  197. 
Batry,  South,  22,  25. 
Battery,  The  60,  248,  253,  254,  300. 

North,  6,  9,   60,  62,  63,  76,  80,  243, 
256,  262,  264,  271,  297,  300. 

Bouth,  77,  243,  253,  256,  271,  287,  293, 
295,  297,  300,  302,  303,  305. 

Old  South,  60,  63. 
Battrey  North,  26. 
Battry,  The,  25. 
Baxter,  214. 
Bayard,  57. 
Baylic,  3. 
Beach,  The,  103. 
Beard,  41. 

Bedgood,  1,  II,  18,  28,  37,  38,  49,  54,  55,  74,  76, 
89,  96,  114,  133,  134,  130,  148,  149, 150, 152, 
155,  184,211,  245,  203,  269,  286,  2S7,  288. 
Beech,  The,  103,  132. 
Beer,  99. 
Beers,  286. 


Beighton,  12. 

Beknap,  see  Belknap. 

Belcher,  10,  66,  76,  79,  87,  116,  119,  150, 

205   232  275. 
(Belkna'p^'i,  13,  56,  182,  189,  215,  242, 
]         249,  262,  267,  270,  277,  292. 
(  Beknap,  4. 
Bellingham,  207,  208. 
(  Benuet,  129,  157,  189,  247. 
{  Bennett,  267. 
(  Bennit,  40. 
Beteilhe,  189,  219. 
Bethune,  210. 

Bill,  78,  103,  127,  182,  187,  291. 
Billings,  5,  28,  39,  182,  203,  204. 
Blackader,  191. 
Blackston,  107. 
Blake,  28,151,152. 
Blanchard,  95,  127,    156,  182,  185,   211, 

266,  288. 
Bleigh,  102. 
Blin,  4, 14. 
Blore  see  Blower. 
(  Blower,  57. 
)  Blore,  13. 
Blowers,  154,  219. 
Boardman,  185,  216. 
Bongarden,  56. 
Borland,  182. 
Boss,  40,  45. 
Bots,  37. 
Boucher,  56,  78,  100,  129,  156,  157,  189, 

247,  267. 
Bourn,  156. 
Boutineau,  186. 
Bowdoin,  57,  60,  62,  75, 132,139, 162,  166, 

189,  230,  248,  269,  286,  307. 
Bowles,  112,  114,  116,  290. 
Box,  286. 

Boylston,  31,  34,  36,  37,  129,  214. 
Bradford,  30,  56,  60,  156,  185. 
I  Brasier,  154. 
j  Brazier,  38,  186. 
Breck,  153,  157,  190. 
Brentnal,  96,  97. 
I  Bridewel,  159, 160. 
/  Bridewell,  240. 
Bridge,  13,  19,  39. 
Bridge,  The  Mill,  5, 132. 
Swing,  21. 
Bridgham,  181,  294. 
Brimmer,  38. 
Brintnal,  127. 
British  America,  120. 
Briton,  54,  61,  80,  82,  86. 
Brittin,  29. 
Britton,  83. 
Brocas,  266. 

Bromficld,  20,  22,  27,  32,  35,  36,  38,  49 
67,  72,  73,  79,  84,  88,  96,  109,  113, 
130,  152,  181,  184, 195,  203,  208,  211, 
225,  245,  251,  257,  263,  265,  266,  276, 
284,286,291,294. 
Bromield,  24. 
Bronsdon,  56. 
Brooks,  19,  26,  32,  34. 
Brown,  219,  244. 
Brustor,  13. 

Buckley,  16,  28,  38,  58,  06,  127,  156,  186, 
202,  211,  243,  245,  247,  200,  288. 


177, 
244, 


215, 


,65, 
135, 
219, 
279, 


191, 


316 


City  Document  No.   66. 


Bulflnch,  57. 
Bulkley,  128. 

Buryingplace  The,  7,  58,  160,  102,  166,  167, 
176,  191. 

Old,  208,  215,  250. 

South,  48,   60,  142,  166, 
188,  250. 
Butler,  20,  39. 
Buttolph,  13, 19. 
Byles,  15,  126, 155,  261,  265. 

Cade,  211,  263. 

Calef,  100,  145,  158,  181,  187,  190. 
Callender,  3. 
Cambridge,  281. 
Campbel,  12. 
Cape  Breton,  233. 
Carnes,  56. 
Carolina,  North,  120. 
South,  120. 
Carter,  28,  39,  56,  157,  212,  290. 
Carver,  56,  100,  129,  158P. 
Gary,  13,  19,  39,  267. 
Casuo,  20,  153. 

Castle  William,  272,  274,  275. 
Ca'^wa.ll   129 

)  Chamberlain,  53,  95,  98, 126, 130, 185. 
I  Chamberlin,  2,  14,  27,  38. 
Chambers,  37,  40,  250,  268. 
Chandler,  38, 125. 
Channel,  Fort  Point,  62,  63,  75,  77. 
ChardoD,  97,  307. 
Charles,  287,  288. 
Charnock,  189. 
\  Chauncey,  83. 
/  Chaunoy,  218,  246. 

Checkley,  1,11,  16,  18,  27,  37,  61,  62,  75,  95, 
125,  130,  135,  147,  161,  172,  181,  187,  192, 
246. 
(  Cheever,  27,  36,  38,  135,  136,  152,  181,  184, 
\         211,  245,  263,  279,  286,  290. 
(  Chever,  3, 12,  18,  25, 26. 
Chub,  147. 

Church  Green,  62,  65, 161. 
Church,  The  Brick,  284. 
Old  North,  98. 
Brick,  288. 
f  Clark,  1,  3,  6,  9,  18,  19,  20,  28,  38,  56,  58,  62, 
94,  95,  96,  99,  100,  101,  103, 107, 119, 131, 
136,  137,  145,  153,  156. 
Clarke,  11, 12,  14, 104,  127, 143, 149, 152, 153, 
163,  164,  168,  169,  171,  179,  181, 182, 184, 
186, 187,  188,  209,  213,  220,  221,  242, 243, 
252,  253,  256,  262,  265,  279,  282,  285,292, 
313. 
Clear,  39,  61,  210,  211. 
Clewly,  295,  302. 
Clough,  15, 16,  20,  42,  44,  263. 
{  Cobbet,  20. 
}  Cobbit,  7. 
Coburne,  286. 
Codner,  289. 
Coelson,  188. 
Coit,  247. 

Coffin,  15,  28,  39,  100,  181,  247,  291. 
Collings,  20,  29,  30. 
Collison,  184. 

f  CoUson,  72,  73,  79,  88,  96,  97,  109,  113, 128, 
J  149,  152,  179,  181,  186,  187,  188,  209,213, 

1  221,  243,  245,  246,  247,  267,  270,  279. 

LColson,  9,  39,  49,  55,  67,  84. 
Colman,  6,  12,  37,  40,  48,  49,  58,  75,  115,  182, 

232. 
Colson,  see  Collson. 
Colton,  38. 

Common  The,  5,  9,  54,  58,  59,  64,  75,  77,  78,  83, 
84,  126,  132,  133,  141,  142,  143, 
191,  209  215,  216,  218,  220,  221, 
222,  230,  248. 
Boston,  133. 
Comon  The,  1,  4,  7,  9. 
Compton,  21,  194. 
Concord,  125. 
Condy,  6,  8, 11,  265. 


Coniball,  39. 

f  Cook,  2,  7,  14,  16, 18,  22,  27,  42. 
■  Cooke,  1,  6,  7,  8,  10,  14,  16,  17,  21,  23,  24, 
26,  31,  32,  37,  42,  48,  50,  53,  54,  55,  75,  77, 
78,  79,  83,  85,  88,  89,  91,  93,  94,  95,  105, 
106,  112,  116,  118,  124,  125, 126,  137,  138, 
I      145,  149, 151,  159,  161,  162,  165,  112,  173, 
174,  222,  229,  245,  252,  253,  262,  265,  279, 
t     285,  292,  299,  306,  311,  312,  313. 
Cookson,  154,  266. 

Cooper,  42,  52, 174, 182, 183,  212,  246,  284,305. 
Copeland,  30,  40. 
Cordis,  182,  211. 
Corner  Boucher's,  132. 
Bradford's,  132. 
Bull's,  103. 
Byle's,  132. 
Cox's,  132. 
Gee's,  131. 
Peirce's,  132. 
Penniman's,  132. 
Cornish,  187. 
Corser,  27. 

County  of  Suffolk,  50,  51,  67,  72,  82,  90,  95, 
98, 112,  116, 118, 129, 136, 137,  141, 
142, 156, 186, 195, 197,  201, 207, 211, 
246,  263,  269,  280,  286,  304,  311. 
Middlesex,  50. 
Court,  Southack's,  132. 
Ooverly,  288. 
I)  Cowdery,  83,  84,  91. 
I  Cowdrey,  130. 

I  Cowel,  84,  99, 129,  158, 190,  257,  290. 
;  Cowell,  83,  212,  244,  263,  267,  301. 
Cox,  13. 

I  Craddock,  26,  103,  105, 135. 
I  Ci-adock,  40. 
Cravath,  97, 105,  247. 
Creek  Mill,  132,  139,  247. 
Crodock,  30,  35. 
Crosby,  39. 
Crow,  246. 
Crowninshield,  68. 
Cunnabel,  56. 

f  Cunningham,  4,  22,  30,  32,  34,   40,   41,  42, 
48,  49,  50,  52,  57,  59,  61,  62,  65, 69,  78,  80, 
I         94,  105,  114,  118,  119,  124,  126, 138,  143, 
J  145,  147,  173, 175,  178, 195,  197,  201, 203, 

")         208, 219,  222,  224,  229,  232,  234,  241,  262, 
I         275,  285,  294,  299,  304,  305,  307. 
I  Cuningham,  8,  24. 
(.Cunnigham,  7. 

Cushing,  7,  8,  10,  13,  16,  17,  22,  23,  24,  25,  31, 
32,  40,  42,   79,  83,  91,  106,  112,  114,  118, 
119,125,138,  143,  145,  165,  181,  183,  187, 
190,  192,  193, 194,  197,  202,  203,  208,  210, 
218,  219,  225,  229,  231,  243,  257,  258,  261, 
265,  266,  276,  280,  284,  294,  295,  298,  304, 
306,  307,  311. 
Cussens,  185, 191. 
Custis,  13. 
Cutler,  56,  132,  215,  289. 


Dabney,  263,  265,  287. 
Damer,  30. 

I  Darington,  19. 

}  Darrington,  290. 

\  Barrel,  136,  251. 

I  Darroll,  140,  255,  280,  283,  291. 
Darrington  see  Darington. 
Dastom,  13. 
Davenport,  59, 182. 
Davis,  29,  263. 

Dawson,  3,  12,  20,  29,  39,  56,  99, 128,  157,  187. 
Day,  3,  20. 
Deal,  14. 

Decostor,  217,  247. 
Dedhara,  50,  51. 
Deering,  32. 

Dering,  7,  8, 12,  13,  28,  32,  34,  38,  42,  55,  61, 
66,  96,  114, 134,  136,  152,  180,  184,  211, 
214,  224. 
Damming,  246. 
Demmon,  3. 


Index   or   Names. 


317 


Dennic,  189,  216. 
Dering  see  Deering. 
Dockbead,  The,  139. 

Dock,  The,  5,  15,  31,  46,  49,  50,  52,  55,  132, 
139,  171,  202. 
Oliver's,  132. 

Town,  6,  23,44,  45,  46,48,  65,  70,80, 
81,  93,  102,  103,  105,  118,  119,  131, 
1C3,  259,  304. 
Dodge,  2,  12, 13,  23,  39,  56,  99,  128, 184,  189. 
Dolbeare,  102,  183,  211. 
Dorenton,  30. 
Dorr,  133. 
Dorrington,  212. 
Douglas,  61. 

rDown,49. 

j  Downe,  27,  34,  35,  36,  38,  55,  64,  67,  68,  69, 
i  70,  72,  73, 79,  SO,  84,  88,  96, 109, 113,  12G, 

t         127, 158,  181,  184,  211,  245,  263,  279,  236. 

J  Downes,  56. 

j  Downs,  13. 
Draper,  132. 
Drinker,  154. 
Drowne,  232,  248,  254,  255,  258,  262,  264,  269, 

287,  293,  298,  302,  303. 
Dudley,  95,  151,  280. 
Dummer,  246. 
Duncan,  246. 
Dupce,  12,  39,  128. 
Duraut,  4,  35,  36,  37. 
Durcll,  57,  59. 
Dwight,  U5,  153. 

(  Dyar,  39. 

\  Dyer,  217. 

( Dyre,  100. 

Earle,  248. 

J  Eastwick,  126. 

I  Eastwioke,  143,  149. 
Eayres,  154,  192,  252,  236,  289. 
Edwards,  53,  157,  215,  247,  286. 
Eliot,  3,  44,  48,  43,  64,  68,  69,  139,  151,  156, 

132,185,193. 
Emerson,  3,  00,  152,  137,  244. 

J  Emmans,  4. 

)  Emmons,  94, 189,  244,  251. 
Emms,  2. 

(Eadicot,  12,  28,  39,  56,  99,  128. 

]  Endi'-ott,  12,  13. 

(  Endicut,  157. 
England,  50. 
Erviag,  182. 
Europe,  79,  87, 120,  233. 

I  EusUs,  3,  27,  29,  39,  56. 

JEustus,  19. 

»Everell,204. 

\  Everill,  48,  94,  131,  184,  203. 

Fairfield,  2S8. 

j  Faneull,  183,  259,  260,  306,307,  308,  309. 
I  Fanuel,  27. 

Farnum,  1.  11,  30,  32, 158. 
Fayc;weatbcr,  112,  118, 136, 140,  189,  269,  298. 
J  Fearfield,  41. 
I  Ficrileld,  19. 
Fcnwick,288. 
Ferry,  The,  S3,  83,  89. 

Charlostown,  lOi,  131. 
Winisimet,  85,  188. 
Winnisimet,  105,  107, 183,  189,  206. 
Flerfleld,  see  Fcarfiell. 
Fillebrowne,  287. 
Fisher,  13,  54,  53,  84. 

Fitch,  1,  2,  4, 14,  15,  18,  25,  26,  27,  34,  35,  36, 
39,  40,  41,  50,  .51,  54,  53,  57,  53,  60,  02,  64, 
05,  03,  75,  80,  8.1,  91,  97,  100, 102, 145, 191. 
Flagg,  13,  181,217,244. 
Flats,  The,  63,  03,  77.  103. 
Flatts,  The,  25,  26,  275,  281. 

Town,  287. 
Fletcher,  38,  210. 
Flower,  22. 
Flov/'-r.-*,  128,  101. 
Fl.-yd,  13,  55,  07,  15J,  185, 191,  257. 


fForesyth,  27. 
■  Forsyt,  73. 
Forsyth,  55,  67,  72,  73,  79,  84,  88,  96,  109, 
113,  126,  143,  149,  152,163,164, 168,  169, 
171,  179,  181,184,  186,  137,  188,  209,213, 
L         221,  242,  243,  246,  256,  262,  235,  235,  313. 
Foster,  3,  12,  19,  28,  39,  56,  85,  99,  102, 128, 
134,  154,  157,  181,  182,  190,  212,  244,  266, 
287,  239. 
Fowle,  290. 
Foxcroft,  10,  54,  183. 
Foye,  291. 
France,  72. 
Francis,  304,  305,  311. 
Franklin,  12,  37. 
j  Frizel,  11. 
)  Frizzel,  217. 
Frizwell,  31. 
Frizzel,  see  Frizel. 
Frost,  150. 
Furney,  158. 

Gale,  1S6,  217. 

Galpin,  17,  21. 

Gamberto,  59,  101. 

Gardner,  3,  39, 53, 56, 94,  97, 100, 103,  104, 129, 

152,  157,  1S9,  215,  247,  266,  290. 
Garner,  30. 
Gatoombe,  183. 
Gedney,  158,  247. 
Gee,  17,  95,  183, 187. 
Gerrard,  39. 
Gerrish,  26,  54,  96, 126,  130,  151,  181,  184,  190, 

209,  243,  261,  267,  230. 
Getchell,  4. 
Gibb,  37. 
Gibbins,  128. 

Gibbon,  68,  69,  189,  210,  247. 
Gibbs,  13,  19,  30,  37,  39,  40,  48,  53,  54,  58,  61, 

91,  92,  98,  129,  243,  251,  286,  289. 
Gibson,  94,  95, 101,  131,  151,  154,  247. 
\  Giles,  20. 
/  Gyles,  13,  141. 
Gill,  15. 
(  Goff,  43,  53. 
}  Goffo,  98. 
Gold,  127. 
Goidthwait,  99, 131, 183, 242,  251, 257, 263,  271, 

277,  -280,  234,  239. 
I  Gooch,  97,  151,  169,  183. 
/  Gouch,  1,  3. 
Gooding,  4,  194,  270,  291. 
Goodridge,  4,  189. 
Goold,  49. 
Gording,  2. 
Gouch,  see  Gooch. 
Grainery,  The,  6,  7, 10,  15,  17,  21,  37,  41,  42. 

New,  15,  17. 
Granary,  The,  01,  95, 102,  126,  153,  160,  161, 
162,  165,  166,  175,  176,  137,  133, 
191,  209,  214,  215,  217,  220,  240, 
262,  268,  270,  285,  288,  292,  294. 
North,  214. 
Towns,  133. 
Grant,  28,  38,  131,  272. 
Gray,  100, 129,  154, 182,  191,  262,  266,267,  276, 

232. 
Great  Britain,  10,  49,  51,  72,  87,  223,  234,  211, 

201,  301,  305. 
fGreen,  4,8,  10,13,  14, 15,  21,  23,40,  84,  97, 
J         93,  153,  161,  162,  181,  183,  190,  194,  212, 
1         244,  251,  255,  263,  267,  290,  299. 
1.  Greene,  183. 

(  Greenleaf,  58,  159,  233,  240,  262,  265,  290. 
<  Greenleafo,  39. 
(  Greenlief,  2,  3. 

Greenough,  89,  128,  141,  244,  288. 
Greenwood,  1,  5,  11,  18,  28,  33,  .55,  96,  100, 
104, 114,  134, 138,  140,  152,  184,  211,  217, 
291. 
Gridley,  14,  22,  63,  97,  153,  190,  212,  215,  244, 

26J,  267,  280,  282,  289,  290. 
Griffin,  185,236. 
(Jriggs,  32. 


318 


City  Document  No.  6Q. 


Grouard,  99,  190. 

Gunter,  57. 
Gyles,  see  Giles. 

(  Hacey,  14, 

\  Hascy,  55,  97,  127,  153,  155,  185. 
(  Hasy,  38. 
Haislup,  183,  ISS. 

Hall,  20,  22,  41,  78, 195,  224,  234,  283,  305. 
Hall  Faneuil,  308,  309,  311. 
HaHawell,133. 
Hallowell,  180. 
Halsey,  194. 
Haiyburtou,  267,  289. 
Hammock,  128. 

Hancock,  27,  50,  54,  58, 147, 148,  149, 151,  154, 
181,  245,  262,  205,  279,   282,  285,  292,  '313. 
Hannahs,  2. 
Hardcastlc,  41. 
Harris,  2, 191,  269. 
Harrison,  290. 
Hart,  133. 
Hartshorne,  217. 
Hasey,  see  Hacey. 
Hasley,  4. 
Hastings,  246. 
Hasy,  see  Hacey. 
Hatch,  61,  62,  252,  288. 
Hatter,  19. 
Hawdeu,  131. 
Hawdiug,  155, 182,  246. 
Hayes,  288. 
Hayle,  41. 
Hayley,  27. 
Hay  ward,  181. 
Headwin,  15. 
Heath,  179. 
(  Holier,  19. 

Helyer,  190,  212,  244,  267,  290. 
Henchman,  14,  135, 136,  152, 159, 162, 181,  184, 
186,  192,  202,  211,  230,  245,  248,  263,  279, 
281   286 
Henderson,  27,  39,  57,  60. 
Henly,  5. 
Henshaw,  97,  154. 
Hickling,  154. 
Hicks,  37,  40,  95, 101,  165,  170,  257,  258,  262, 

274,  279,  295,  297. 
Highway,  The,  1,  4,  9,  93,  103,  104,  106,  107, 
109,  112,  113, 1,2,  168,  266,  277,  282,  283, 
284,  298. 
Hill,  12,  30,  38,  55,  56,  78,  96,  100,  103,  108, 
109,  113,  133,  135,  136,  152,  180,  184,  211, 
245,  247,  262,  263,  267,  274,  279,  282,  286. 
Hill,The,  132,  133. 

Fort,  6i,  84, 243, 248, 249, 253, 254, 255, 257, 
262, 264,  285,  236,  287, 292,  293, 295, 302. 
Fox,  126,  165,  173,  175,  176. 
Hobhs,  212,  244,  267,  290. 
{  Hodgden,  18,  28. 

/  Hodgdon,  99,  128, 157,  212,  244,  267,  290. 
Ilolbrook,  130,  258,  268. 
Holland,  246. 
HoUoweJl,  5. 
Holmes,  155,  211,  305. 

Holyoke,  5,  13,  20,  29,  41,  58,  75,  76,  95, 100, 

101, 129,  193,  201,  202,  215. 
Hoyoke,  83. 
Homer,  19,  39. 
Hood,  29. 

Hooker,  258,  262,  268,  284,  291. 
Hooper,  213,  241,243. 
Hooton,  193,  195,  215. 
Hopkinston,  125. 
Houden,  27. 
Hough,  4. 

Houghton,  56,  152, 155. 
House,  Almes,  16,  108. 

Alms,  111,  113,  114,  115,  121,  122,  237, 

270,  276,  278,  279,  281,  295. 
Court,  241,  261. 
Gun,  83,  84,  142,  143. 
North  Market,  172. 
of  Correction,  11,  159 


House,  Powder,  209,  217,  218,  219,  220,  221, 

222,  243,  250,  252. 
Public  Meeting,  54,  62,  161,  259. 
Old  North  Meeting,  44,  45,  46,  48,  65, 
70,  80,  81,  102,  139. 
South  Meeting,  97. 
Sconce,  297,  298. 

Town  1,  6,  10,  16,  17,  18,  21,  24,  25,26, 
31,  35,  37,  40,  4-2,  48,  50,  52,  53,  54, 
62,  68,  69,  74,  80,  85,  88,  91,  93,  94, 
95,  99,    105,    106,   107,  112,  116,  118, 
121,  125,  137,  139,  141,  147,  149,  151, 
101,  164,  173,  174,  183,  192,  203,  208, 
218,  229,  231,  241,  243,  258,  260,  261, 
268,  284,  303,  305. 
West  Meeting,  209,  213. 
Work,  159,  160,  162,  165,  166,  167, 172, 
175,  176,  188,  191,  230,  231,  234,  235, 
240,  248,  251,  252,  273,  276. 
How,  154,  189,  247. 
Howard,  158. 
{  Howel,  19, 
)  Howell,  183,  186. 
Hoyoke,  see  Holyoke. 
Hubbard,  2,  19,  39,  74,  96,  114,  133,  135,  136, 

152,  159,  176,  180,  184,  211,215,  242,244, 
245,  263,  267,  275,  276,  278,  279,  282,  286, 
290,  295,  303. 

Hubbart,  182. 

Uunniwell,  217. 

Hunt,  1,  11,  14,  19,  20,  28,  38,  41,  55,  96,  114, 
129,  134,  136,  152,  180,  186,211,  214,  215, 
245,  283,  279,  286,  287. 

Hurd,  28,  182. 

Hutchinson,  4,  10,  13,  15,  23,  40,  46,  50,  51,  52, 
57,  59,  60,  69,  75,  80,  103,  104,  119,  135, 
145,  152,  159,  162,  163,  164,  16%  168,  169, 
171,  174,  175,  179,  182,  184,  186,  187,  188, 

'  192,  193,  195,  197,  202,  209,  210,  212,  213, 
220,  221,  223,  224,  230,  231,  234,  243,  246, 
248,  250,  256,  257,  259,  261,  265,  272,  273, 
281,  299,  304,  306,  307,  308. 

Inches,  12,  18,  28, 39,  56, 244,  267,  290. 
{  Indicot,  190. 

I  Indicott,  19,  212,  244,  266,  275,  278,  289,  299. 
Ingersoll,  287,  298. 
Ingraham,  202,  212,  244,  277,  282. 
Ireland,  72,  287. 
Island  Castle,  272,  274,  275. 

Deer,  295,  303. 

Governours,  272,  274,  275. 

Hog,  206. 

Noddles,  206. 

Jackson,  1,  11,  18,  28,  29,  30,  38,  55,  59,  63,  97, 
100,  129,  132,  180,  220,  249,  251,  255,  270, 
272,  308,  309. 

Jarvis,  20. 

Jefi'ers,  7. 

Jeflries,  20,  30,  38,  49,  53,  55,  67,  72,  73,  79, 
84,  88,  96, 109,  113,  125,  126,  137,  143,  152, 

153,  157,  164,  165,167,  168,  169,  171,  179, 
181,  184,  186,  187,  188,  189,209,  210,213, 
218,  220,  221,  229,  231,  241,  242,  243,  246, 
252,  253,  256,  259,  262,  265,  276,  279,  282, 
284,  285,  292,  294,  305,  306,  309,  313. 

Jeflfs,  129. 
Jenkins,  29,  191. 
Jepson,  3. 
Johnson,  41,  154,  247. 

t  Johonet,  20. 

j  Jolionnot,  263,  265. 

Jones,  13,  29,  125,  147,  152, 190,  212,  289,  304, 
305,  311. 

Kedgell,  246. 

J  Keneday,  57. 

I  Kennedy,  151. 
Kent,  55,  103,  105, 127. 
Kenwood,  99,  182. 
Keyes,  125,  147,  158, 172, 182. 

I  Kilbey,  28. 

j  Kilby,  128,  219,  224,  225,  231,  211,  304,  305, 
311. 


Index  of  Names. 


319 


Kilcup,  194:. 
Kiilcop,  20,  27. 

(  Kneeland,  11, 14,  29,  156,  175,  179,  180, 183, 

}  189,  245,  249,  253. 

(  Kneland,  19,  21. 
Knight,  3, 182. 

(  Laith,  2. 
(  Laithe,  127. 

Lambert,  157, 189,  215,  263. 
Laue,  ISi. 

Lane  Beer,  126, 131,  151,  154,  168,  169. 
Blind,  133. 
Cold,  5,  6,  132. 
Cow,  133. 
Foster,  132. 
Frog,  S3,  84,  88,  89. 
Green,  27,  29,  95,  126,  131,  132, 151, 154, 

169,  170. 
Hawkiu's,  132. 
Henchman's,  132. 
Horn,  132. 
Kneeland's,  132. 
Mackarel,  132. 
Pond,  133. 
Rawsou's  132,  133. 
Wing's,  132. 

Wood,  132, 151,  154,  168,  169,  173,  191, 
193,  195,  202. 
Langdon,  15,  20,  181,  267. 
Lash,  39. 
Laughton,  286. 
Leasonby,  2. 
Leathe,  14. 
LeDain,  263. 
Lee,  2,  3,  12,  29,  38,  39,  57,  60,  62,  64,  74,  84, 

85, 136,  140,  148,  149,  150,  153, 155,  210. 
Leech,  30. 
LeFort,  15. 
Legg,  99. 
Levenston,  97. 
J  Leveret,  4,  25. 
I  Leverett,  290. 
Lewes,  214. 

Lewis,  2,  7,  8,  10,  13, 14, 16,  17,  22,  23,  25,  38, 
40,  104,  105,  135,  158,  195,  213,  265,  306, 
307,  309,  311. 
«  Lillie,  37,  66,  67,  68,  69,  80,  212. 
(  Lilly,  30,  36. 
Limbrey,  57. 
Linehan,  57. 
Little,  23,  38,  56. 
Lloyd,  211,  -295,  303. 
London,  121,  122,  311. 

Loring,  3,  5,  11,  12,  18,  19,  24,  26,  28,  38,  58, 
6.3,  64,  «6,  127, 156,  182,  185, 186,  189,  193. 
{  Lovel,  31,86.126,130,138. 
i  Lovell,  3J,  36,  183,  189,  295,  297. 
Lowdon,  39. 
Lowder,  210,  265. 
Lowell,  290. 
Lucas,  13. 
Ludirate,  131. 
Lutwyche,  244,  246. 

Lym;in,  3,  12,  19,  28,  127,  149,  152,  163,  164, 
168,  169,  171,  181,  184,  186,  187,  188,  209, 
213,  220,  221,  242,  243,  246,  252,  253,  256, 
262,  265,  279,  282,  285,  292, 
Lynn,  106. 

Maccarty,  182, 

Mackdanicl,  29, 

Main,  31,  33,  44. 

March,  100. 

Marchant,  244. 

Marion.  19,  35,  36,  37,  45,  48,  49,  .52,  54,  55, 
61,  66,  83,  84,  86,  89,  92.  94,  95,  98,  102, 
103,  105,  107,  108,  109,  112,  113,  114,  IIH, 
126,  131,  173,  181,  183,  192,  203,  205,  208, 
209,  217,  219,  222,  223,  248,  254,  255,  264, 
285 ,  287,  233,  304. 

Marish  The,  59. 

MarishcB,  The,  54. 

Market  Middle,  134. 


Market  North,  102,  134,  170,  172. 

South,  102,  107,  134,  170, 171,  172. 

I  Marshal,  59. 

I  Marshall,  3,128,  152,  212. 
Marsh,  The,  5,  9,  126,  165,  264. 

Rumner,  55,  71,  82,  95,  96,97,98,103, 
105,  106,  107,  126,  127,  129,  130, 
132,  151,  153,  158,  183,  185,  190, 
191,  193,  194,  203,  205,  206,  207, 
208  257  258 
Rumny,  1,  2,  lKl4,  18,'27,  31,  38,  44,  48,  50, 

5'^   53  58   154 
Mason,  3,'5,  20,  27,  56,  125,  141,  194,  244,  267, 

290. 
Massachusetts,  33,  44,  177. 
Mather,  106,  213,  256. 
Martyn,  185,  286. 
Maxwell,  127. 

May,  99,  128,  157,  187,  212,  244,  267,  290, 
Maycomb,  7. 
Maylem,  128. 
MciSTeal,  267. 
Medfield,  50. 
Melecan,  19. 
Millidge,  266. 

(  Melvell,  4. 

}  Melvil,  91, 
Mendon,  50. 
Menzies,  270. 

i  Merrett,  2. 

}  Merrit,  13. 
Messenger,  252. 

I  Metcalf,  50. 

}  Metcalfe,  50. 
Miller,  11,  151,  290. 
Milliken,  103. 
Mills,  6,  7,36,41. 
Minot,  26,  152,  154,  152,  286. 
Mitchel,  4. 

Moberly,  3,  12,  19,30,  39,  56,  99, 128,  157, 190, 
212,  244,  266,  289,  295,  304. 

(  Moffat,  7. 

)  Moffatt,  4,  233,234. 
Mollineaux,  287. 
Monk,  39,  100,  129, 189,  215,  263. 
Moore,  172,  299,  304. 
More,  30,  39,  56,  99,  128, 193. 
Morey,  262,  269. 
Morris,  158. 
Mors,  50. 
Morse,  50. 
Mortimer,  161. 
Mortimore,  20. 
Mostatt,  13. 
Moulin,  83,  84,262,268. 
Mountfort,  132. 
Mower,  39. 

(  Neal,  5,  56,  212,  247, 

)  Neale,  39. 

Neck,  The,  139,  141,  259,  262,  264,  268,  283, 
298. 
Boston,  107. 
Needham,  194,  249. 
Negus,  97. 

New  England,  67,  72, 119, 124,  232,  312. 
Newfoundland,  120. 
Newman,  189. 
Nickerson,  280,  282. 
Nowell,  290. 
Noyce,  37, 

Oakes,  5,6,7. 

Oglethorp,  49.  . 

Olive,  20. 

Oliver,  1,11, 18,  20,  22,  25,  59,63,106, 158, 162, 
1S1,  182,  223,  224,  230,  243,  245,  248,  249, 
253,  2.)4,  203,  279,  286,  287,  307. 

Orsborn,  sec  Osborn. 

Osb.-ind;  14. 

r  Osborn,  16,  18,  38. 

J  Ornborn,  27. 

(  Osborne,  78,  166,  18G,  259. 

Otis,  192. 


320 


City  Document  No.  66. 


Oven,  40. 

Owen,  30,  131, 181,  216. 

Oxford,  50. 
Oxuard,  57. 

Paddock,  105. 
rase,  39. 

(  i'aiu  1-2.  14,  19,  30,  61,  190,  212. 

JPaiDe,   39,   56,99,   128,  15T,   216,   244,   266, 

(  289. 

palmer,  40,  46,  48,  55,  57,  61,  65,  69,  80,  91,  92, 

100,  126,  131,  259. 
Parker,  29, 103, 104, 136,  140, 145, 152, 175,  176, 

190,  193,  194,  211, -.^23,  245,  270,  279,  288. 
Parkman,  19,  20,  30,  83,  84,  85,  88,  89,  98,  154, 

215,  247,  2S5,  287. 
Parott,  74,  89. 
Parrott,  74. 
Pasture,  Eltne,  34. 
Patten,  263. 

I  Patteshall,  267. 

I  Pattishall,  19. 
Pearce,  see  Peivce. 
Pearsou,  156. 
Peck    15. 

Pecker,  13,  19,  53,  59,  83,  86,96,  106,  107,  123, 
129,  134,  142,158,  167,  182,191,  193,  197, 
216, 219,  223,  242,  245,  266,  288. 

(  Peirce,  40,  42,  44,  157,  268. 

J  Pearce,  28. 

(  Pierce,  190. 

J  Peirpoint,  145, 147. 

I  Pierpoint,  138. 
Pell,  26,  61,  64. 
Pemberton,  7,  182. 

J  Peniman,  3. 

}  Pennyman,  IS. 

Person,  19. 

Perrj',  131. 

PblUlps,  128,  129, 133,  181,  287,  288. 

Phip,  224. 

Phips,  234. 

I  Pidgion,  41. 

}  Pigeon,  181,  215,  247. 

Pierce,  see  Peirce. 

Pierpoint,  see  Peirpoint. 

Pigeon,  see  Pidgion. 

Pirn,  41. 

Pinkny,  20. 

Pitman,  152. 

Pitson,  26. 

Pitts,  57. 

Place,  Soutli  Market,  106. 

Plimoutli,  New,  31,  33,  44. 

Plin,  1. 

Point,  Barton's,  132. 

Windmill,  61,  94, 103, 104, 108, 109,  112. 

Pollard,  4,  39,  104,  222,  229,  290,  295,  305. 

Poraroy,  21. 

Pond,  Wheelers,  209,  217,  219,  221. 

Porter,  103. 

Potter,  190. 

Potwine,  39,  78. 

Poumery,  3. 

Pratt,  2,  27,  38,  97, 127. 

Price,  3,  129,  308. 

Prince,  6,  24,  161,  187,  246,  291. 
f  Procter,  5,  20,  21,  27,  34,  35,  36,  40,  42,  45, 
j         48,  85,  99,  106,  109,  151,  181,  193,  201, 
1  274,  280,  281. 

(.Proctor,  244. 

Prout,  1,  11,  66,  94,  98,  100,  106,  107, 125,  138, 
145,  165,  182,  223,  2til,  276,  284,  294. 

Province,  Massachusetts  Bay,  31,  67,  72,  116, 
119,  124,  205,  232,312. 

Pulling,  191. 

«  Quincy,  150,  152, 174, 182,  241,  261. 
(  Quinsy,  28. 

Rainger,  13,  31. 

Rand,  4,  54,  59,  62,  75,  95,  96,  98, 101, 123, 129, 

134,  142,  158,  167,  173,  182,  190,  194,  214, 

215,  24S,  251,  254,  255. 


Rankin,  290. 

Kay,  13,  157,  190,  212,  244,  266,  289,  290. 

Rea,  85. 

Read,  3,  112,  118,  128,  151,  154,  175,  177,  178, 

179,  187,  192,  193,  265,  291. 
\  Rhode  Island,  198,  225,  226. 
i  Road  Island,  52,  53. 
Richards,  3,  12,  19,  39,  66,  99,  128,  157,  190, 

212,  244,  266. 
Richardson,  182,  211,  246,  247,  263. 
Ricks,  39,  212,  244,  289. 
Ridgaway,  159,  215. 
Righton,  267. 

River  Charles,  219,  224,  262,  270,  281. 
Rix,  3,  4,  11,  19,  28,  56,  61,  190. 
Road  Island,  see  Rhode  Island. 
Rogers,  3,  13,  19,  40,  187,  210,  253,  290. 
Rolfe,  218. 
Rope  Walk,   Barton's,  133,  151,  155,  168,  262, 

266,  282. 
Rowe,  1. 

Row,  Merchants,  42,  44,  132,  284. 
Rosbury,  70,  80,  302. 
I  Royal,  180. 
)  Royall,  3. 
Ruck,  1, 12, 14,  18,  28,  38,  55,  96,  114,  134,  136, 

152,  180,  184,  211. 
Ruddock,  265,  289,  290. 
Rushton,  103. 
(  Russel,  27,  56,  65. 
Russell,  3,  11,  12, 19,  20,  39,  56,  99,  128,  129, 
157,  190,  209,  212,  216,  244,  266,  270,  279, 
289. 
Rydoubt,  29. 

Salem,  6. 
Balenstal,  39. 
S  Salisbery,  29,  41. 
I  Salisbury,  129,  179. 
Salmon,  189. 
Saltenstall,  49. 
{  Salstonstal,  217. 
/  Salstonstall,  218. 

Salter,  2,  4,  15,  29,  68,  76,  126,  128,  129,  157, 
181,  186,  193,  19.4,  209,  211,  220,  222,  243, 
245,  249,  250,  252,  266,  270,  288,  290,  292. 
Sault,  267,  290. 

Savage,  20,  22,  24,  26,  31,  32,  59,  101,  186,  212. 
I  Save!,  74. 

}  Savell,  194,  267,  295,  299,  303. 
School,  North  Writing,  31,  35. 
School,  Free  Writing,  109. 
North,  18. 

Gramar,  167,  193,  202,  213,  246, 

265,  292. 
Writing,  13,  21,  34,  35,  48, 170, 
201,  213,   246,    257,  258,  262, 
265,  274,  279,  280,   281,   292, 
306,  311. 
South,  18. 

Gramar,  151. 
Gramer,  36. 

Grammar,  55,  59,   63,  86,  101, 
138,  154,  189,  213,   246,  265, 
292,297. 
Writing,  21,  213,  246,  250,  265, 
292,  295,  297. 
(  ScoUay,  194. 
}  ScoUey,  288. 
Sconce,  The,  77,  271.  282,  298,  300. 

South,  25. 
Scott,  5,  13,  29,215,  247. 
Seavorn,  247. 
Seiller,  246. 
Selby,26. 
Sergent,  18, 
Service,  289. 
(  Sewal,  34. 
Sewall,  21,  31,  34,  .50, 103,  105,  151,158,  159, 
162,  175,  181,  182,  184,  192,  197,  2n6,  222, 
223,  224,  230,  232,  234,  240,  248,265,  266, 
269,  284,  291,  306. 
Sharrow,  126,  130. 
Shcad,  40. 


Index   of   Names. 


321 


rSheaf,  9, 10,  28,  38,  53,  64. 

J  Shoafe,  59,  75,  IS,  191,  216,  251,  257,  258, 

}  271,  299. 

(.Sheaff,  12. 

I  Sheibuni,  181,  186. 

I  Sberbui-ne,  Ul,  286. 
Sherman,  286. 
Sherror,  27. 
Shirley,  293. 
Showers,  270. 

Sigourney,  78, 157,  268,  286,  290. 
Simkins,  11. 

(  Simras,  36. 

I  Symmcs,  185,  248,  263. 
Simpkins,  3,  97. 
Simpson,  56,  61,  153,  181,  190,  210,  244,  267, 

284,  290,  291. 
Skillin,  159. 

Skinner,  19,  100,  158,  189,  215,  291. 
Smibert,  61, 100,  101,  183. 
Smith,  1,  27,  38,  100,  185,  189,  268. 
Snelling,  32,  58. 
Snow,  304. 
Speakman,  263,  286. 
Spooner,  7,  20,  182. 
Sprague,  252. 
Squalr,  Dock,  42,  49. 
Squar,  Dock,  37. 

Scxuare,  Dock,  35,  36,  40,  61,  70,  80,  91,  92, 
93,   102,   132,   229,  231,   259,  260, 
307. 
South  Meeting  House,  133. 
Squir,  Dock,  48. 
Stainer,  28,  39,  56,  99,  128. 
Stamford,  2S,  53. 
Stanford,  19. 

Staniford,  12,  49,  53,  56,  61,  84,  85,  86,  96,  127, 
151,  156,  171,  185,  211,  219,  222,  224,  234, 
242,  251,  262,  270,  271,  277,  281,  299. 
Starr,  187. 

{Steel,  28,  48,  57,  66,  69,  70,  80,  81,  102,  118, 
119,  124,  145,  182,  262,  279,  282,285,  292, 
293,  298,  302,  303,  313. 
Steele,  293, 
Steuart,  83,  84,  209,  217,  224. 
Stevens,  159. 

Stoddard,  37,  41,  49,  50,  51,  54,  58,  59,  61,  84, 
85,  89,  94,  95,  98,  112,  118,  186,  195,  213, 
222,  247,  272,  280,  284,  290. 
Stone,  40. 
Storer,  28, 181,  189. 
Street,  Ann,  18. 

Anne,  132. 

Beach,  67. 

Beacon,  132, 148, 191,  209,  215,  220. 

Beunet,  1,  5,  9,  14, 139. 

Bond,  34. 

Brattle,  54,  259. 

Cambridge,  132. 

Common,  S3,  84,  88,  89,  191,  215. 

Comon,  1,  4. 

Cross,  18,  20,  30,  130. 

Fish,  11,  14,  132, 195,  202. 

Hanover,  132. 

King,  11,  14,22,132,144. 

Leverett,  132. 

Love,  23,  25,  27,  29,  63,  132,  151,  154, 

168,  169,  243,  250,  252. 
Lyndc,  213. 
Lynn,  95. 
Marlborough,  133. 
Middle,  132. 

Milk,  5,  132,  133,295,-303. 
North,  83,  85,  88,  89,  95. 
Orange,  37,  41,  07,  70,  72,  80,  95,  126, 

131,  151,  154,  109,  170,  173,  289. 
Pond,  13:),  209,  217. 
Prince,  14,95,  100,  131,  1.32. 
Queen,  18,21,  24,  101,  132,  201,   213, 

246,  265,  •J92. 
Salcm,  18,  20,  25,  30,  63,  131,  132. 
School,  7,  21,  24,  95,  132,  133. 
Sconci',  282.  283. 
Bca,  112,  138,  142. 


Street,  Ship,  132. 

South,  112. 

Sudbery,  20. 

Sudbury,  1,  5,  18,  132. 

Sumer,  1. 

Summer,  5,  9,  133, 161,  166,  282,  283. 

Treamount,  132,  208. 

Tremouut,  215. 

Union,  132. 

Water,  37,  41,  45,  49,  129, 132,  197. 

West,  133. 

Winter,  27,  30,  37,  166,  209,  216,  219, 
220  222. 
S  Sutten,  3. 

I  Sutton,  50,  54,  58, 128,  213. 
Swain,  12. 
Sweetser,  157. 
Symmes,  see  Simms. 

Tavern,  Dolphin,  132. 

Taylor,  15,  30,  39,  56, 100,  129,  157,  189,  215, 
268,  273. 

Teft,  113. 

Temple,  125. 

Tewksbery,  55. 

(  Thacher,  83,  106, 125,  137,  145,  182, 183. 
)  Thatcher,  1, 11,  22,  24,  26,  42,  137. 

Thayer,  157,  252. 

Thomas,  15,  19,  28,  38,  42,  56,  58,  61,  96,  127, 
156,  181,  185,  194,  195,  201,  211,  212,  214, 
244,  245,  247,  266,  267,  288,  290. 
(  Thompson,  206. 
(  Tompson,  29. 

Thornton,  3, 12,  19,  3%  75, 128, 157,  212. 

Thwing,  11,  13,  29,  58,  244,  247. 

Thyng,  19. 

Tilestone,  112,  114, 116,  266. 

Tilly,  40. 

Tompson,  see  Thompson. 
(  Torrey,  56,  103,  154,  166,  243,  250,  251,  255, 
}         285,  292. 
(  Tovry,  3,  31,  40. 

Tothill,  2. 

Townsend,  3,  12,  29,  37,  112,  145, 157,  180. 

Towns  Slip,  The,  89,  173,  193,  202. 
(  Traill,  182. 
)  Trayle,  21,  42. 

Training  Field,  The,  191. 

Trayle,  see  Traill. 

Trott,  56. 

True,  56,  78, 129,  244. 

Tucker,  131, 159,  263. 

Tuckerman,  247. 

Tudor,  216. 

Turell,  4,  56, 128, 151. 

Tutthil,  55. 

Tuttle,  14,  18,  27,  38,  97, 127,  153,  185,  263. 

Tyler,  4,  5,  12,  18,  25,  27,  30,  34,  35,  36,  49, 
55,  78,  79,  96,  100,  101,  110,  114,  118,  124, 
13:3,  134,  136,  152,  180,  184,  185,  186,  190, 
192,  194,  202,  211,  220,  245,  263,  279,  286, 
292,  294. 

Tylor,  26,  36. 

Tyng,  99,  100,  128,  182,  267. 

Uxb  ridge,  50. 

Vail,  20. 
Valentine,  191. 

Vans,  135,  138,  145,  147,  151, 175, 178, 195, 201, 
203,  205,  208,  222,  229,  264,  287. 

(Vassal,  214. 

(  Vassal  1,  244,  286. 
Vial,  189. 

I  Viall,  299. 
Vinal,  154. 
Viuleuou,  247. 

Wadsworth,  1,  4, 11, 13, 18,  20,  23,  27,  29,  34, 
36,  38,  41,  57,60,  78,  88,  91,  92,94,96,  103, 
104,  105,  127,  132,  135,  158,  172,  184,  195, 
209,  224,  244,  250,  251,  266,  270,  283,  288, 
305. 

Wakefield,  128. 


322 


City  Document  No.  66. 


147, 
148, 
283, 


178. 


t  Walcot,  30. 
I  Walcutt,  267. 
Waldo,  1,  5,  9,  10,  11,  20,  32,  34,  138, 145, 

158,  '25j),  273,  306,  307,  309,  311. 
Walker,  '27,  74,  89,  94,  100,  103,  118,  124, 

149,  150,  155,  181. 
Walley,  126,  129,  182,  262,  269,  276,  281, 

305. 
Wallis,  155,  194,  288,  290,  299. 
(  Wardal,  175. 
)  Wardall,  154. 
Warde,  39. 

I  Wardel,  12,  28,  30, 193. 
I  Warden,  3,  19,  176,  177,  202,  203,  204, 

208,  210. 
\¥arden,  41,  128,  182,  189,  217. 
Ware,  69. 
Warner,  4,  181. 
Watch  Merchant's,  52,  166. 
Waters,  39,  252. 
(  Wats,  2. 

)  Watts,  2,  18,  27,  29,  42,  45,  48,  97,  175 
Watson,  7,  12,  19,  28,  38,  48,  58,  66,  69,  70,  80 

96,  102,  127,  134. 
Watt,  182,  247. 
Webb,  10,  26,  30, 157,  164, 181,  182,  187,  290 

291,  294. 
Webber,  14. 
Webster,  128. 
Weite,  18. 

Welch,  141, 157,  182. 
Welland,  30,  100. 

Welles,  7,  8,  16,  17,  22,  23,  31,  32,  42,  53, 
67,  68,  69,  72,  73,  74,  80,  83,  104, 
110,  111,  114,  118,  125,  159,  160, 
182,  224,  234,   246,  265,  266,  269, 
272,  273,  274,  288,  298,  300. 
L  Wells,  13,  182,  215,  269. 
Wellis,  49. 
Welsted,  31,  208. 
Welsteed,  152,  187,  265,  291. 
fWendaI,14,40,  48. 
I  Wendall,  11,  12,  18. 
I  Wendell,  4,  41,  50,  51,  55,  57,  60,  62,  65. 
69,  75,  80,  89,  96,  103,  105,  110,  111, 
115,  125, 127,  131,  133,  134, 136,  152, 
179,  180,  182,  183,  184,  180,  211,  213, 
245,  248,  263,  266,  267,  279,  283,  286, 
291,  298,  300,  307. 
Wentworth,  129,  284,  291. 
West,  59. 
West  Indies,  120. 
Wethered,  152,  263. 
Wharf,  The,  9,  18,  48,  63,  64,  65,  70,  80. 
Bull,  133,  166,  209,  218,  221. 
Bull's,  113. 
Clark's,  60,  62. 
Eliot's,  64. 
■     Gallop's,  195. 


,61, 
106, 
176, 
271, 


66, 
114, 
162, 
230, 
287, 


Wharf,  Henry  Webb's  61. 

Long,  22,  26,  32,  60,  62,  74,  75,  89, 119, 

132,  139,  143,  144,  145. 
North  Battery,  101,  148, 149,  150,  155. 
Ked  Lion,  132. 
Wenlworths,  20. 
Wharfs,  Out,  17,  25. 
Wheatly,  219. 

Wheeler,  13,  83,  100,  112,  li3,  252,  263. 
Wheelwright,  21,  22,  23,  56,  175,  181, 250,  273, 

275,  278,  282,  283,  299,  305. 
Whetmare,  27. 

White,  2,  3, 12,  18, 19,  22,  25,  26,  27,  30,  34,  35, 
62,  74,  75,  100,  128,  157,  159,  190,  212,  244, 
245,  263,  266,  275,  278,  279,  281,  286,  289. 
Wbiterage,  27,  29. 
I  Whittemore,  55. 
I  Whittmore,  153,  158. 
Whittrage,  31,  34. 
Wilks,  10. 

Willard,  132,  182, 183,  231,  291. 
'  Williams,  1, 3,  4,  6,  7,  8, 11, 13, 14,  15, 17,  20, 
21,  25,  26,  29,  35,  37,  41,  42j  45,  54,  55, 
58,  59,  61,  86,  95,  96,  101,  102,  110,  126, 
128, 129,  133, 1-tl,  153, 157, 160,  161,  175, 
18"2,  187,  193,  212,  247,  248,  254,  255,  258, 
262,  263,  264,  267,  287,  290,  293,  298,  302, 
303. 
Willians,  1. 
iWillims,  1. 
Willis,  13,  64,  65,  66,  67,  68,  69,  70,  72,  80,  81, 

285,  293,  294. 
Williston,  284,  288. 
Willoughby,  66,  69,  70,  80,   81,   102,   134, 

ler,  185,  214,  249,  268,  287,  288. 
Wiloufi;hby,-  48. 
Wilson,  267,  290. 
Wing,  13.  19,  247. 
(  Winisimet,  89. 
}  Winnisimet,  188,  208. 

Winslow,  4,  30,  38,  49,  55,  67,  72,  73,  75,  79, 
88,  96,  109,  126,  127, 135,  190, 223, 232,  250, 
257,  283. 
Winter,  185, 186,  215,  252,  299. 
Winthrop,  2,  4,  59, 128, 131,  212,  265,  306,307, 

309,  311. 
Wise,  214. 
S  Wiswal,  22,  193. 
/  Wiswall,  6,  7,  22,  165,  167,  202. 
Wolcott,  59. 
WoUand,  4,  13, 19. 
Wood,  99, 105. 
Woodhouse,  263. 
Woodstock,  50, 
Wroe,  38. 


Teamans,  206. 
Young,  3,  12,  39,  65, ! 
265,  270. 


3,128,129,157,181,187, 


INDEX  TO  PLACES  AND  SUBJECTS. 


Almes  House,  16,  108,  111.  113, 114, 115,  121, 
237,  270,  273,  278,279,281,  295.  {See  also 
Workhouse.) 

inne   |  street,  IS,  132. 
Arms,  presented  to  the  town,l,  2. 
Assemblj'  or  Court,  General,  6,  7,  8, 23,24, 25, 
32,  33,  40  43,  45,  50,  52,  54,  55, 
*      76,78,79,84,86,87,91,04,104, 
105,  110,  111,  112,  114,  116,  118, 
119,  124,  126,  131,  145,  146,  147, 
148,  149,  150, 163,  172, 174,  175, 
177,  178,  179,  192,  197,  201,  203, 
205,  208,  218,  219,  224,  231,  232, 
233,  241,  245,  251,  256,  261,  269, 
272,  275,  276,  281,  284,  294,  295, 
301,  302,304,306,312. 
presentments  to,  76,  177, 178,  179, 
231,  275,206. 
Assessors,  16.  61,  83,  86,  107,  118,  152,  178, 
193,  243,  247,  250,  297,  301,  303. 
abatement  by,  5,  11,  16,  22,  31,  86, 
93, 107, 130, 142, 167, 197, 224, 258, 
277,231,301. 
appointed,  3,  5,  7,  10,  12,  16,  19, 
28,  38,   58,  76,  86,  96,  127,  151, 
152,  156, 185,  211,  245,  266,  288. 
Assize  of  Bread.    {See  Breadstuffs.) 

Barricade,  tbe,  25. 
Barton's  point,  132. 

ropewalb,   133,  151,  155,  168,  262, 
263,   282. 
Batteries,  302. 

defenceless  condition  of,  233. 
condition  of  tbe,  243,  245. 
appropriation  for  repairs,  256. 
repairs  of  the,  262,  271. 
Battery,  North,  6,  63,  02,  76,  86,  243,  256,  262, 
264,  271,  2D7,  300. 
wharf,  0,  26,  62,  101, 148,149, 
150,  155. 
South,  22,  25,  60,  63,  77,  243,  256, 
271,  232,  237,  293,  295,  297,    298, 
300,  302,  303,  305. 
at  the  South  End,  77. 
ground,  248,  253,  254,  287,  292,  293, 

297  298,  299. 
lands',  293]  298^  300,  302,  303. 
Beach  street,  67. 
Beacon,  to  erect  a,  1.50. 
Beacon  street,  132,  148,  191,  209,  215,  220. 
Beech,  (Beach)  the,  103, 132,  170. 

ehcumb'Tcd,  etc.,  103, 170. 
flats  and  meadow  grounds, 
283. 
Beer  lane,  126,  131,  151, 154, 168, 169. 
Bell  alley,  132. 
Bells,  ringing  of,  40,  45,  95, 101,  102,  134,  209, 

213. 
Betinet  street,  1,  5. 

watch-house  at  comer  of,  139. 
Bills,  appropriated,  34. 

of  credit,  07,  79,  87,  146,  199,  226,  249, 

268,  28S. 
of  Rhode  Island,  52,  53,  198,  226. 
ProviQce,  31,203,297. 

(old  tenor)  199,  201,  227,  223, 

297,  305. 
(new  tenor)  199, 201,  227,  229. 
{See  also  I'Mnance,  statistics.) 


Births,  record  of,  110,  126, 130,  1.33, 134. 

deaths,  record  of,  110,  126,  130,  133, 
134. 
Blind  lane,  133. 
Bond  street,  34. 
Bonds.     (See  Sureties.  ) 
Books.     (See  Records,  etc.) 
Boston,  1,  0,  10,  16,  17,  18,  21,  24,  25,  26,  31, 
32,  35,  36,  37,  42,  47,  48,  50,  .51,  52,  53, 
54,  66,  68,  69,  72,  74,  79,  80,  82,  83,  85, 
87,  83,  89,  90,  91,  93,  94,  95,  98,  105, 106, 
107,  109,  110,  111,  112,  113,  115,  116, 117, 
118,  119,  120,  121 ,  122,  123,  124,  125,  126, 
130,  131, 133,  136, 137, 1-38,  141,  142,  143, 
145,  146,  147,  149,  150,  151,  155,  158,  159, 
161,  163, 168,  172,  173,  174, 175,  177,  180, 
183,  186, 187,  190,  192,  195,  196, 197,  201, 
203,  204,  205,  207,  208,  217,  218,  223,  224, 
225,  229,  230,  231,  232,  233,  241,  242,  243, 
246,  247,  24S,  250,  252,  256,  257,  258,  2.59, 
260,  2P1,  264,  26S,  276,  277,  230,  281,  283, 
284,  286,  287,  -^91 ,  292,  293,  294,  297,  302, 
303,  304,  30%  306,  307,  308,  309,  311,  312. 
Boston  Neck.     (SVe  Neck,  the.) 
Brattle  street,  54,  259. 
Bread  stuffs,  15,  120,  214,  249,  268,  288. 

assize  of  bread,  312.     (See  also 
Grain.) 
Bridge,  mill,  5,  132. 
swin?,  21. 
over  Charles  river,  219,  224,  234,  262, 

270. 
from  western  part  of  town  to   Col. 
Phips'  farm  (Charles  river),  2.34. 
Bridewcl  (Bridewell).     (See  House  of  Cor- 
rection.) 
British  America,  120. 
Building,  petition  to  erect,  284. 

to  erect  a  windmill,  295. 
dismissed,  84. 
allowed,    Joseph    Clewly, 
302. 
to  be  removed,  171,  172. 
Buildinars.     (See  Lands  or  Buildings.) 
Bull's  wharf,  113,  133, 166,  209,  218,  221.  (See 

also  Wharves.) 
Bulls,  town.     (,?<;«  Cattle,  etc.) 
Burial  places,  83.  84,  159,  160,  162,  167,  176, 
191,203. 
on  the  Common,  7,  58,  78, 142, 

191. 
South,  29,  35,  48,  50,  142,  166, 

188  24.3  250. 
Old  burying  place,  208,215,250. 
digging  of  graves,  29,  35,  284, 
291. 
By-laws.    (See  Orders,  town.) 

Cambridge,  281. 

street,  132. 
Cape  Breton,  233. 
Castle,  the,  271,  272,  274,  275. 

Island,  272,  274,  275.     (See  also  Forti- 
fications.) 
William.    (5ee  Castle,  the.) 
Cattle,  54,  96,  142. 

laws  pertaiuiug  to,  59,  126,  133,  141, 
143. 
Charities,  178,  285,  294. 

Charles  IMvcr,  bridge  over,  219,  224,  234,  262, 
270,  281. 


324 


City  Document  jSTo.  6(3. 


Charlestown  Ferry,  100,  131. 

Chimnies,  155,  1S3,  196, 197,  285,  293,  296. 

sweeping  of,  152, 183,  188, 193, 196, 

197,  293,  295,  296. 
sweepers,    196,    295,    296.       {See 
also  Orders,  town.) 
Church  Greeu,  ineeting-hou<e  iit,  62,  65,  161, 
Clark's  whnrf,  GO,  62.     {See  also  Wharves.) 
Clerk  of  the  Peace,  2. 
Coasters.     {See  Ships.) 
Cold  lane,  5,  6,  132. 
Commerce.     (.See  Trade.) 
Common,  the,  132,  133,  149,  209,  216,  218,  220, 
222. 
highway  in,  1,4,  9. 
marsh  iu,  5,  9,  54,  59,  126. 
huryins  place  ou,  7,  5S,  142. 
school-house  ou,  9,  133. 
trees  on,  54,  58,  59,  75,  77,  78. 
row  of  posts,  ( tc,  58,  59, 191. 
cattle  on,  59,  126,  133,  14],  142. 
gun-house  on,  83,  84,  142,  143. 
training  field,  191. 
bull-house  ou,  142. 
powder-house,    209,    217,  218, 
219,  220,   221,   222,  243,  250, 
252. 
■workhouse  at    upper  end  of, 
230,  248. 
Common  shore,  i.  e.  sewer.     {See  Drains.) 
Common  street,  1,  4,  83,  84,  88,  89,  191,  215. 
Concord,  125. 
Corners :  — 

Baker's,  132. 
Boucher's,  132. 
Bowdoin's,  132. 
Bradford's,  132. 
BuU's,  103. 
Byles',  132. 
Colson's,  9. 
Cox's,  132. 
Gee's,  131. 
Mountfort's,  132. 
Peirce's,  132. 
Penniman',  132. 
Coroners,  petition  for  allowance,  262,  269. 
Council,  members  of  the,  297,  .306. 

address  to,   79,  87, 
119-24,    177-78, 
205-8,  232-33. 
allowance,  177. 
County  tax,  178. 
Court,  General.     (5'ee  Assembly.) 

of  general  or  quarter  sessions,  6,  8,  51, 

72,  SO,  82,  90,  98,  136,  137,  142,  1-56, 

186,  197,  205,  263,  269,  278,  286,  296, 

297,  304,  311. 

of  Common  Pleas,  51,  105,  303,  304. 

Superior,  51,  117, 203, 204,  297,  303, 304, 

305. 
Inferior,  51,  297,  303,  304. 
House,  241,  261. 
Cow  lane,  133. 

Cow-keepers,  appointed,  127,   129,   153,   158, 
185,  190,  212,  244,   267,   290, 
301. 
allowance,  141. 
Cross  street,  18,  20,  30,  130. 

Deaths,  record  of.     {See  Births.) 
Dedham,  50,  51. 

Deer,  law  for  the  preservation,  of  etc.,  242, 
244. 
broach  of,  informers  against,  244, 
267,  290. 
Deer  Island,  295,  303. 
Disease,  infectious,  prevention  of,  11,  14,  15, 

280,  282.     {See  also  Small-pox.) 
Distilleries  and  distilling,  108,  120,  132. 
Dock,  the,  5,  6,  49,  70,  81,  fi6,  118,  119,  131, 
132,  163,  202,  259,  304. 
market  near,  44,  46,  48,   65,   102, 

171,  259. 
land,  5, 15,  46,  65,  80. 


Dock,  the,  land  and    warehouse   at,  46,  55, 
1.31. 
private  (called  Merchants')  at,  50, 

52,  106. 
watcb-house  at,  139. 
porters  at,  103,  105. 
Oliver's,  132. 
Dock  square,  91,  92,  93,  10?,  132,  259, 260,  307. 
old  buildings  in,  23,  31,  35,  36, 

37,  40,  42,  49. 
lease  of  shops  in,  229-30,  231. 
encroachments  ou,  40. 
market-place  in,  259. 

house  (Fancuil)  to  be 
erected,  259,  260,  306, 
307. 
claims  on,  40,  48,  61. 
land  at,  70,  SO. 
Dolphin  tavern,  132.     {See  also  Taverns.) 
Drains,  42,  48,  50,  166,   183,   188,   202.     {See 
also  under  the  several  streets.) 

Education,  292. 

iu    the   workhouses,    237.      {See 
also  Schools.) 
Elme  Pasture,  34. 
Engine,  water.     {See  Fires.) 
England,  50. 
Europe,  79,  87,  120,  233. 

markets  (commercial)  of,  120. 
Excise  (inland  tax),  201.     {See  also  Taxes.) 
Exports,  120.     {See  also  Ships.) 

Families,  15,  124,  237. 
Faneuil  market,  259,  260,  306,  307. 
hall,  307,  308,  309. 

offices,  etc.,  .307,  311. 
town  records  in,  311. 
portraits  in,  308,  309. 
town  meeting  at,  311. 
Perry,  the  (Winnisiraet?)  48,  83,  84,   85,   88, 

89. 
Finance,  statistics  of,  200,  227-28. 
Fire,  water  engines,  257,  258. 

men,  37, 41,  54,  58,  01, 100, 126,  128, 151, 
154,   183,   1^6,   209,  213,  243,  248-49, 
262,  265,  284,  291. 
allowance,  95,  249. 
Fire  wards,  262,  265. 
Fish,  laws  concerning,  46,  70,  71,  81.     {See 

also  Markets,  and  Wharves.) 
Fish  street,  11,  14,  132,  195. 
Fisheries,  120,  233. 

French,  120. 
Flatts,the.  {See  Lands  or  buildings,  town's.) 
Fort  Hill,  62,  84,  213,  248,  249,  253,  254,  255, 

257,  -.^62,  264,  285,  286,  287,  292,  293,  295. 
Fort  Point  channel,  77. 

fortress  at,  62,  75. 
wharf  at,   62,  63.      {See 
also  Fortitications.) 
Fortifications,  55,  57,  59,  00,  61,  62,  03,  66,  75, 
84,  86,  131,  162,  176,  233,213, 
245,  258,  237,  208,  270,  271,  272, 
274, 275, 273,  277,  285,  289,  297, 
298,  2r>9,  300,301,  302. 
decayed  condition  of,  54,  63,  64, 

76,  78,  84,  86,.  8S,  91,  92,  93. 
to  provide,  231,  2o9. 
Foster  lane,  132. 
Fox  Hill,  126,  175, 176. 

broken  marsh  near,  165, 173. 
France,  72. 
Frog  lane,  83,  84,  88,.  89. 

Gallop's  wharf,  195.     {See  also  Wliarves.) 
Goal  {Gaol  or  Jail),  189,  249,  2-53. 

imprisoned     in       for 
debt,    183,   189,  249, 
253. 
Governor,  the,  8,  24,  25,  33,  43,  66,  86, 146, 
28(1,  283,  285,  297,  302. 
address  to,  79,  87,  119-24, 177- 
78,  205-8,  232-33,  275. 


Index  to  Places  and  Subjects. 


325 


Governor,  the,  message  from  270. 

petition  to,  271,  2S7,  292. 

reply,  293. 
portrait  presented  by,  309,311. 
Governour's  Island,  272,  274,  275. 
Grain,  15, 17,  42,  45,  47.  61,  120,  153, 1S5,  214, 

216,  217,  220,  249,  251,  26S,  270,  2S5,  2SS, 

292,  294,  295,  304. 
Granaries,  6,  7,  10,  15,  17,  21,  37,  41,  52,  53, 

61,  95,  102,  120,  133,  153,  160,  161,  162, 

165, 166,  175,  176,  185,  187,  188,  191,  209, 

214,  215,  220,  249,  262,  26S,  270,  285,  288, 

292,  294. 
Grave-diggers.    (See  Sextons.) 
Great  Britain,  10,  49,  51,  72,  87,  223,  234,  241, 

231,  304,  .305. 
Green  lane,  27,  29,  95, 126,  131, 132,  151, 154, 

169,  170. 

Hallowell's  ship  yard,  133. 

Hanover  street,  132. 

Harbor,  the,  280,  283,  297. 

Hawavd  (haj'ward).     (iSee  Cowkeeper.) 

Hawkins'  lane,  132. 

Hay,  weighing  of,  etc.     (See  Weights,  etc.) 

weigher  of,  appointed,  208,  210. 
Hemp  and  Flax,  surveyor  of,  97,  127,  153, 
190,  212,  244,  267,  290. 

duty  on,  123. 

paid    into    treasury,    200, 
228. 
Henchman's  lane,  132. 
Hill,  the,  132.  133. 
Hill's  lease,  108, 109, 113. 
Hog  Island,  206. 
Horn  lane,  132. 
House  of  Correction,  16, 159, 160. 

Impost.     (See  Trade.    ) 
Indian  corn,  214,  268.  (See  also  Breadstuffs.) 
Indians,  matter  pertaining  to,  107. 
Inoculation,  11, 14, 15.  (.SVea/.so Small-pox.) 
Intemperance,    immorality,    profanity,   etc., 
laws,  1,  11, 18,26,  37,  54, 104,2.38,  239,251. 
Ireland,  72. 

Jury,  grand,  305. 
Justices,  25,  95,  280. 

King  street,  11, 14,  22,  132, 144. 
Kneeland's  lane,  132. 

Lands  or  buildings,  town's,  9, 45,  53,  243,  245, 
2.54,    259,    262, 
285,    286,    287,. 
293,  298. 
at  the  Dock,  5,  15,  46,  65, 
70. 
old  shops,  23,  31, 
36,49. 
in  School  street,  7. 
plan  of,  survey,  9. 
claims  on,  10. 
buildings  at  almshouse, 

16. 
Warehouse  claimed    by 
heirs  of  Elia.   Hutch- 
inson, 23. 
the  Flalts,  25,  26,  63,  68, 
77,  103,  143,  275,  281, 
287,  302. 
house  in  which   Nathl. 
Williams    dwells,    re- 
pairs, 26. 
leases  of,  42,  48, 113. 
to  be  surveyed,  45, 147, 

149. 
quit  rent  for,  59, 101,108, 
302. 
on  Windmill  Point,  61. 
town  slip,  85,  163,  173,  193,  195. 
1,000  acres  for  free  KChool,  110. 
at  poutherlv  end  of  Cross  street,  130. 
on  the  Neclc,  2G2,  264,  268,  283. 


Lands,  waste,  or  unappropriated,  of  the  Prov. 
ince,  31,  33,  44,  110,  124-25. 
grant  of,  110,  147,  150,  158,  163,  164, 

172, 179,  183. 
sale  of,  164, 172,  174,  179, 197,  243,  256. 
to  revert,  207. 

lease  of,  to  town,  65.  66,  67,  68,  72-3. 
by  town,    65,   108,   170,  176, 
229,  230,  231,  249,  262,  264, 
303. 
unapi^ropriated,  to  settle,  124,  125. 
adioiniug  almshouse,  281. 
title  to,  109. 

taken  by  town  for  debt,  179, 180. 
abatement  of  rent  of,  295. 
lease  refused,  254,  257. 
at  the  batteries,  298,  300. 
Lands  or  buildings  :  owners,  — 

Alford,  ,  w.h.,  49. 

Allen,  Deacon ,  1.,  103. 

Allen,  Henry,  1.,  109. 

Baker,  Mder ,  1.,  132. 

Barton, ,  1.,  132,  b.,  133,  151, 

155,168,262,266,282. 
Belliugham,   Gov.   (heirs  of,)  1., 
207,  208. 

Boucher, ,  1.,  132. 

Bowdoin,  James,  1.,  132,  139. 

Bradford, ,1.,  132. 

Bvles, ,  1.,  132. 

Colson, ,  1.,  9. 

Cook,  Elisha,  1.,  7,  b.,  14. 

Cox, ,  1.,  132. 

Cutler,  Rev.  -. — ,  1.,  132. 
Downe,  Thomas,  h.,  &  1.,  64,  70, 

80. 
Eliot,  Jacob,  1.,  64. 
Gee,  (Joshua?)  l.,131. 

Hallowell, ,  1.,  133. 

Hancock,  Thomas,  1.,  148. 

Hill,  ,    1.,   103,    d.,   108,    1., 

109,  113. 

Hubbard, ,  1.,  133. 

Hunt,  Alexander,  h.,  287. 

Jackson, ,  d.,  132. 

Lillie,   Theophilus,  1.,  66,  67,  69, 

80. 
Loring,  Daniel,  1.,  64. 
Marion,  Joseph,  1.,  112,  h.,  112. 

Mountfort,  ,  1.,  132. 

Oliver,  Brattle,  1.,  287. 

Oliver,  Capt. ,  1.,  106. 

Pierce ,  ,  1.,  132. 

Penniman, ,  I.,  132. 

Phillips,  Jfadam 1.,  287. 

Phips,  Col. I.,  224,  234. 

Porter,  Abel,  1.,  103. 

Sheaf,  ) ,  1.,  9. 

Sheaf,  \  Jacob,  h.,  64. 

Wadsworlh,  Gapt. ,  1.,  132. 

Welles,  Samuel,  1.,  67,  68,  69,  72, 
.     80. 

Wendell,  Jacob,  I.,  2S7. 
Wheeler,  William,  jr.,  h.,  &  1., 

112. 
Willard,  — ,  1.,  132. 
Willis,  Jonathan.  64,  65,  66,  67, 
69,  70,  72,  80,  81. 
Laws,  breach  of,  to  prosecute,  251. 

concerning  qualification  of  voters,  258, 

259,  260. 
(See  aluo  Intemperance,  etc.) 
Leather,  sealers  of,  2,  3,  12,  14,  18,  2'^,  3S,  39, 
55,  56,  97,  127,  128,   153,   157,    185,   186, 
187,212,244,267,290. 
Leverett  street,  132. 
Loudon,  1-iO,  121,  122,  .311. 
Long  wharf,  22,  26,  32,  60,  02,  74,  75,  89, 119, 
132,  143,  145. 
battery  to  he  btiilded,  60. 
(See  a/so  Wliarvcs.) 
Lord's  Day,  46,  70,  81,  309. 

pr(!aohlt\Kon,  at  Almeshnuso,!  1 1. 
concerning  prufanulion  of,  239. 


326 


City  Document  No.  QQ. 


Love  street,  23,  25,  29,  132,  151, 168,  169,  243, 

250,  252-53. 
Lynde  street,  213. 
Lynn,  106. 
Lynn  street,  95. 


Mackarel  lane,  132. 

Main,  province  of,  unappropriated  lands  of, 

31,33,  44. 
Market,  37,   40,  44,  46,  48,  55,  57,  64,  65,  68 
69,  71,  80,  88,  90,  95,  97,  98,  99,  102 
134, 135,  161,  164, 170,  171,  176,  259 
260,  277,  308. 
clerks  of  the,  3,  7,  13,  16,  19,  22,  30 
32,  35,  39,  46,  47,  48,  56,  60,  61,  70 
71,  78,  81,  82,  85,  91,  92,  93,  99,  102 
105,  128,  131,  133.  134,  135,  141,  145 
151,  154,  156,  157,  159,  161 ,  186,  189 
194,  214,  215,  216,  219,  247,  251,  252 
257,  267,  272,    290,   299,  306,   307 
308. 
laws  relating  to,  46,  47,  48,  70,  71,  72, 

77,  81,  82,  209,  216. 
forestalling  the,  70,  309. 
appropriation  for,  66. 
places,  67,  69,  72,  90,  106,  118,  259. 
fish*,  126,  130. 

South,  65,  107, 134,  170, 172. 
Middle,  134. 
North,  134,  170,  172. 
Faueuil,  259,306,  309. 

offices,  etc.,  in,  307,  311. 
Marlborough  street,  133. 
Marriages,    petition    concerning    publishing 

banns  of,  284,  288. 
Massachusetts  Bay,  Colony  (or  Province)  of, 
72, 119,  124,  205,  312. 
unappropriated  lands,  31, 

33,  124. 
bills  of  credit  on,  67. 
Medfleld,  50. 

Meeting  houses  or  churches,  171, 
Old  North,  44,  65, 139. 
Public  (Brattle  street)  54,  62,  259. 
at  Church  Green,  62,  65,  161. 
Old  South,  97. 

Mr.  Checkley's  (Summer  st.),  161. 
West,  209,  213. 
Old  Brick  church,  284,  288. 
Mendon,  50. 
Merchants'  Row,  42,  44,  132. 

warehouse  fronting,  284. 
Merchants'  watch,     {See  Watch.) 
Middle  street,  132. 
Middlese.^  County,  50. 
Militia,  the,  lines  of,  55,  83,  87,  91,  199. 
Milk  street,  5, 132,  133,  295,  303. 
Mill,  bridge,  5, 132. 
creek,  132. 

watch    house  near,  139.      {See 
al-to  Bridges.) 
Mills.     {See  Windmills.) 
Millers,  295,  304. 


Navigation.     {See  Ships  —  also  Commerce.) 
Neck,  the,  107,  141,  259,  262,  264,  268,  283, 
298. 
watch  at,  139. 
marsh  on,  264. 
Negroes  and  Mulattoes,  laws  concerning,  139. 
New  England,  67,  72, 119,  124,  312. 
Newfoundland,  120. 
New  Plimouth,    unappropriated    lands    of, 

31,  33,  44. 
Noddle's  Island,  206. 
North  Carolina,  120. 
North  End,  granary  at,  52,  53,  95. 
market  at,  102,  164. 
free  writing  school  at,  109. 
Granary,  214.     {See  also  Granaries.) 
street,  88,  89,  95. 

e!ip  nt.  S3,  83. 


Old  Brick  church,  284,  288.     {See  also  Meet- 

ina:  houses.) 
OldBuryiug  Place  (Tremont street), 208,  215, 

250.     (,SVe  a^so  Burial  i)laces.) 
Old  North  meeting  house,  45,  98. 

market  near,  44, 46, 

48,  65,102. 
land  near,   70,  80, 

81. 
watch  house  near, 
139.      {See    also 
Meeting  houses.) 
Old  South  meetinghouse,  97.  {See  also  Meet- 
ing houses.) 
Oliver's  dock,  132.     {See  also  Dock.) 
Orangestreet,  37,  41,  67,  70,  72,  80,  95,  126, 
131,  132,  151,  154,   169,   173, 
289. 
land  on  each  side  of,  170. 
Orders,  town,  264. 

forestalling  the    market,   and 

regulating  hucksters,  46,  47, 

70,  71,  81,  82,  90,   209,   216, 

309,  310-11. 

about   work-house,   104,   2.30, 

231,  234,  240,  251,  252. 
concerning  tlie  granary,  188. 
sweeping  of  chimnies,  188, 193, 

196,  197,  293,  295,  296. 
scavengers,  17,  277. 
concerning  ice  and  snow  in  the 

streets,  277,  278. 
measurement  of  wood,     282 
concerning  watch,  139, 140. 
hay,  155. 

weighing,  176, 

177,204,205, 

210. 

cattle,  141. 

printed  tickets,  50. 

pigeons,  shooting  of,  266,  268. 

firing  guns  in  the  streets,  266, 

269. 
breach  of,  informers  against, 

244,  251,  267,  290. 
weighing  with  steelyards,  209, 
216,  310. 
Ordnance,  60,  62,  63,  64,  66,  74,  92,  93,  143, 
150,  254,  262,  271,  287,  293,  297,  300,  301. 
Oxford,  50. 

Paper  currency,  195, 198,  223.  225. 

to  he    called    in,    199,    227. 
( See  also  Finance.) 
Partition,  lines,  7-8. 

determined  9. 

bounds  of  land  at  South  End,  67. 
Poll-tax.     (<Se«  Taxes.) 
Pond  lane,  133. 
Pond  street,  133,  209,  217. 
Poor,  the,  115,  121,  17»,  192,  277,  278,  281, 
310,  313. 
appropriation  for,  6, 17,  22,  30,  41, 
86,  110,  142,  173,  195,  224,  257, 
283,  305. 
alien,  122,  207. 
legacy  to,  217,  218. 
rules  concerning,  235-40, 
children,  277,  282. 
Poor,  Overseers  of,  1,  6, 14, 16,  37,  41,  53,  99, 
104,108,111,113,114,127, 
131,134,153,156,158,210, 
211, 218, 230,  231, 235, 251, 
269, 270, 273,  276, 281, 287, 
295. 
choice  of,  1,  11,  12,  18,  28, 
38,55,96,134-35,152,184, 
230,  245,  263,  286,  288. 
Portraits,  (in  Faneuil  Hall.) 
Peter  Faneuil,  308. 
George  III.?  309,311. 
Powder  a?id  ammunition,  209,  217,  218,  2.19, 
220,  221,  250,  252,  254,  287,  293,  297,  298, 
SOI. 


IxDEx  TO  Places  and  Subjects. 


327 


Powder  tonse.     (^'fe  Common.) 
Prince  street,  14,  95,  100,  131,  132. 
Printing,  advertisina  in  the  prints,  35,  36,  37, 
164,  172,^231,  310. 
of  tickets,  50. 
Province  Galley,  122,  233.    {See  also  Ships, 

Province  tax,  123, 146,  17S,  19S,  199,  226,  260, 

295,  304,  312. 
Provisions,  273,  280,  283,  310,  313.    {See  also 
Grain.) 
sale  of,  46,  47,  69,  70,  71,  80,  81, 

82,  90. 
packing  of,  312. 
Public  Meeting  house  ( Brattle  street),  54, 259. 
{See  also  Meeting  houses.) 

Queen  street,  18,  21,  24,  132. 

Rates,  collection,  5,  11,  16,  20,  21,  22,  31,  32, 
44,  105, 130. 
time  allowed,  5,  11,  16,  20,  22,  31,  32, 

301. 
collectors  of,  choice  of,  96,  134, 158, 
191,216.     (5ee  a^so  Taxes.) 
Rawson's  lane,  132,  133. 
Records,  town's,  9,  40,  45,  48,  107, 113,  300. 
hook  of,  107, 109. 
office  for,  40,  48,  311. 
plan  of,  45. 

of  land.s,  rents,  etc.,  45,  72. 
search  through,  94. 
of  the  workhouse,  236. 
twelve  hooks  for  collectors,  247. 
Red  Lion,  the,  132.     {See  also  Taverns.) 
Red  Lion  wharf,  132.     {See  aho  Wliarves.) 
Registrar,  County,  choice  of,  19, 95,  129,  137, 

264,  280. 
Rents,  records  of  lands,  etc.,  45,  67,  72,  231, 

264. 
Representatives,  1,  6,  7, 16, 17,  21,  22,  25,  26, 
31,  32,42,55,83,  86,87,91, 
106,125,137,138,143,145, 
147,148,150,164,165,  174, 
175,177,178,192,193,  201, 
208,  219,  222,  225,  251,  262, 
275,  27G,  2S4,  292,  294,  295, 
297,304,306,307,  311,312. 
address  to  the,  8,  23,  24,  32- 
34,  42-4,  79,  119-24,  145-7, 
177-78, 197-201, 205-S,  225- 
29,  232-33. 
house  of,  10,  52,  33,  43,  79, 
87,  116,  119,  146, 
150,177,198,205- 
8,   223,  225,  229, 
232,  241, 275,  312, 
313. 
speaker    of,    174, 
241,  261. 
members'    allowance,    175, 
177,262. 
Road  (Rhode)  Island,  52,  53, 198,  225,  226. 
Roxbury,  70,  80,  302. 

Rumny  Marsh,  1,  2,  18,  27,  31,  38,  44,  48,  50, 
52,  53,  .55,  58,  71-2,  82,  95,  96,  97,  98,  103, 
105,  100,107,  126,127,129,  130,132,  151, 
153,  154,  183,  185,  190,  191,  193,  194,  203, 
205,  206,  208,  257,  258. 
Rye.    {See  Breadstuffs.) 

Salaries,  allowed,  Thomas  Cheever,  2. 

Peter  Blin,  4. 

Pcleg  Wiswall,  7,  22, 167. 

Edward  Mills,  7. 

Joseph  Wadsworth,20,  29, 
41,  78,  105,  135,  158,  195, 
224,  250,  283,  305. 

Jonathan  Williams,  21,  41, 
45,  102,  133,  153. 

Jeremiah  Gridley,  22. 

Richard  Whittrage,  34. 

JJr.  Zobdicl  BoylstoD,  36. 


Salaries,  allowed,  John    Lovell,  36,   86,  138 

189,  297.  ' 

Zech.    Hicks,   40,  95,  101, 

170,  279,  297. 
John  Chambers,  40. 
Samuel    Holyoke,   41,  95, 

101,  202. 
Isaac  Peirce,  44-5. 
John  Proctor,  48,  109,  201. 
Belcher  Hancock,  49-50. 
Samuel  Gibson,  95, 101, 154. 
Sendall  WiUiams,  95, 101. 
Samuel  Clark,  95,  101. 
William  Rand,  95. 
Mrs.     Abihail,    Chamber- 
lain, 95. 
Capt.  James  Watson,  102, 

134. 
Capt.  John  Steel,  102. 
Francis   Willoughby,  102, 

134,  185,  249,  2138,  288. 
Samuel  Gcrrish,  130. 
John  Foster,  134. 
John  Chcckley,  172. 
Gershom  Kcyes,  172. 
Samuel  Allen,  250. 
William  Salter,  252. 
Thomas  Jackson,  309. 
{See  also  Representatives, 
Schools,  Sextons,   Fire- 
men, the  Watch,  etc.) 
Salem,  6. 

Salem  street,  18,  20,  25,  30,  131, 132. 
Salisbury,  179. 

Scavengers,  work  and  duties  of,  17,  157,  264, 
277. 
choice  of,  4,  13,  19,  30,  39,  56, 
100,  129,  157,  189,  215,  247,  267, 
290,  291. 
School  street,  7,  24,  95, 132,  133. 
Schools,  194. 

master  at  Rumny  Marsh,  1, 2,  27, 38. 

salary  of,  2,  27,  38,  48,  58 
usher,  4. 

salary,  4,  6. 
inspectors  of,  4,  39. 
visitation  of,  14,  20,  28,  78,  104,  111, 
126,  129,  153,  183,   187,  ISS,   209, 
212,  213,  243,  246,262,264,265,285, 
291,  292. 
free,  1,000  acres  of  land  for,  110. 
statistics,  213.  246,  265,  292. 
Grammar  (i?]"orth),  7,  202,  213,  246, 
265,  292. 
master,  18,  36. 
salary,  7. 
167. 
usher,  193,  202. 
(South),  55,  69,  213,  246, 
265,  292. 

master,  18, 59-60, 
86,138,189,297. 
usher,    63,    101, 
1.51. 
at  upper  end  of  Bond  street,  34. 
Writing,  7,  8,  108,  280. 

masters,   6,   8,  21,   36,   201, 

297,  306. 
inspectors  of,  8. 
North,  31,  .34,  35-6,  170,  201, 
213,240,257,258,262, 
265,274,279,280,281, 
292,  30G,  311. 
master,  35-6. 
assistants,  36,  40. 
In  Queen  street,  101,   201, 
213,  246, 
2G5,  292. 
oastcr,  41, 
95,    101, 
202. 
at  North  End,  109. 
South,  213, 246, 250,  205, 202, 
295,  297. 


328 


City  Doctbient  No.   6Q. 


Sconce,  ye.     (See  Batteiy,  South.) 
Sconce  street,  2S3. 
SciiBtrcet,  112,138, 142. 

Seloetiucu,  choice  of,  1,  5, 11,  12,  14,  16,  18, 
27,  38,  39,  55,  00,  126,  127,  137-38, 152, 184, 
209,  243,  245,  202,  285. 
Settlers.     (6Ve  Lnnds,  unappropriated.) 
Sextons  or  grave-diggers,  petition,  29,  35,  83, 
84,  243,  250,  262, 
2GS,  284,  291. 
allowance,  102, 134. 
petition       about 
banns,  284,  288. 
SharroTV,  George,  case  of,  130. 
Ship  street,  132. 
Shipping.     (See  Ships,  etc.) 
Ships,  vessels,  etc.,  120,  122,  144, 150,  233. 
builders  ajid  building,  121,  298. 
yards,  133. 

of  war,  232,  233,  280,  283. 
privateers,  233. 

coasters,  to  be  protected,  280,  283. 
Slips,  town's,  85,  89,  168,  173, 193,  195,  202. 
at  North  street,  83,  88. 

end  of  Wood  lane,  191,  202.      (See 
also  Wharves.) 
Small-pox,  11, 14,  15,  280,  282.  (See  also  Dis- 
ease, infectious.) 
South  Burying  place,  35,  48,  50,  166,  188,  243, 
250. 
grave-digger's  petition, 
243,  250.      (See  also 
Burial  places.) 
South  Carolina,  120. 

South  End,  market  at,  44,  46,  48,  64,  66,  69, 
102,  107,  164. 
land  at,  65,  66,  67,  68. 
bounds,  67. 
•  highway  at,  277. 

paving  of,  284,  289. 
to  erect  a  battery  at,  77. 
highway,  encumbered,  94. 
bells,  101. 

watch-house  at,  139. 
South  Meeting  house  square,  133. 
South  Sconce.     (See  Battery,  South.) 
South  street,  112. 
Southack's  court,  132. 

Streets,  paving,  1,  5,  6,  9,  11,  14,  17,  18,  20, 
22,  23,  27,  30,  31,  37,  41,  42,  44,  95, 
100,  107,  126,  129,  131, 136,  151,  154, 
168,  169,  170,  173,  243,  250,  252,  253, 
284,  289. 
common  sewers,  42,  166. 
rounds  of  the  watch,  139, 140. 
to  be  kept  cleaner,  285,  294. 
dirt  of,  184. 

encumbered  by  ice  and  snow,  262, 
277. 

(See  also  the  folloxcing  :  — ) 
Anne,   Beach,   I5eacon,    Beer    lane, 
Bell    alley,    Bennet,    Blind    lane. 
Bond,   Brattle,    Cambridge,    Cold 
lane,  Common,  Cow  lane.  Cross, 
Dock  square.   Fish,  Foster    lane. 
Frog  lane.  Green  lane,  Hanover, 
Hawkins'  lane.  Henchman's  lane, 
Horn  lane.  King,  Kneeland's  lane, 
Leverett,     Love,     Lynde,     Lynn, 
Mackarel  lane,  Marlborough,  Mid- 
dle,   Milk,  North,  Orange,    Pond 
lane.  Pond,  Prince,  Queen,  Raw- 
eon's  lane,  Salem,  School,  Sconce, 
Sea,  Ship,  South,  South  Meeting- 
house   square,   Southack's    court, 
Sudbury,     Summer,      Treamouut 
(Tromont),  Lnion,  Water,  West, 
Wing's  lane,  Winter,  Wood  lane. 
(See  a^.so  Ways,  etc.) 
Sudbury  street,  1, 18,  20, 132. 
Suffolk  County,  50,  51,  67,  72,  82,  90,  95, 112, 
116,  118,  i36,  137,  141,  142,  186,  195,  197, 
201,  207,  211,  246,  263.  269,  280,  286,  304, 
311. 


Suits:  — 

vs.  Eliak™.    Hutchinson's  heirs,  10,  15, 
23. 
Henry  Gibbs,  to  prosecute,  61. 
James  Everill's   heirs,  94,   131,  184, 

203,  204. 
Thomas  Palmer,  131. 
Thomas  Cushing  et  al.  vs.  Palmer, 40. 
Summer  street,  1,  5,  9,  133,   161,  282,  283. 

common  sewer,  166. 
Sureties,  bonds  to  be  given  as,  53,  59, 134, 

179,  186,  191, 196,  216,  242,  251,  270,  301. 
Surveying.     (See  Lands.) 
Sutton,  50. 
Swing-bridge,  21. 

Taverns :  — 

Dolphin,  132. 
Red  Lion,  the,  132. 
Orange  Tree,  the,  132. 
Tax,  books,  178. 

Province.     (See  also  Province  Tax.) 
ministers',  178. 

County.     (See  also  County  Tax.) 
Taxes,  118,  119,  121,  134,  151,  167,  177,  178, 
194,  195,  198,  201,  207,  223,  225,  233, 

242,  280,  312,  313. 

levied  for  town  charges,  etc.,  6,  9, 14, 
17,  22,  30,  41,  64,  86, 110, 142,  151, 
173, 192,  2-24. 
poll,  and  estate,  64,  86,  93, 110, 151, 

173,  195,  224,  257,  283,  305. 
collectors  of,  52,   53,  59,  75,  96, 107, 
127, 130,  134,  138,  142, 152,  158,  167, 
184,  191,  197,  -^16,  218,  219,  223-4, 
233,  234,  240,  241,  242,  251,  257,  258, 
269,  270,  271,  277,  281,  285,  294,  299, 
301.     (See  al.w  Kates.) 
■    abatement  of,  116,  118,  124, 126. 
allowance.     (See  Collectors  of.) 
the  Excise,  201.     (See  also  Trade.) 
Tombs,  drain  from,  42,  48,  50,  166,  183,  188. 
opening,  29,  35. 
brick  wall  to  be  erected,  208. 
permit  to  build,  215. 
Town,  houses  or  lands  belonging  to.     (See 
Lands.) 
House,  1,6,10,  16,  21,  24,  25,26,31,35, 
37,  40, 42,  48,  50, 52,  53,  54,  62, 
69,  74,  80,  83,  88,  91, 93, 94, 95, 
105,  106,  107,   112,  116,  118, 
124,  125,  137,   141,   147,   149, 
151,  161,   164,   173,   183,  192, 
203,  208,   229,   231,  241,  243, 
258,  261),  261,  268,  284,  305. 
cellars  under,  let,  3^3. 
meetinss,  1,  7,  9,  10, 16,  17.  18,  21,  23, 
24,  25,  26,  31,  32,  35,  36,37,  42,48,50, 
52,  53,  54,  62,  65,  66,  69,  74,  80, 83, 88, 
90,91,93,9-1,  95,  105,  106,  112,  116, 
118,    124,    125,    137,    141,   145,   147, 
149,  151,  160,  161,  161,  173,  174,  185, 
192,  203,  208,  218,  229,  231,  233,  241, 

243,  256,  258,  260,  261,  268,  276,  277, 
280,  283,  284,  286,  291,  294,  305,  306, 
311. 

dock.     (See  Dock,  the.) 
granary.     (See  Granaries.) 
officers,  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  7, 10, 11, 12, 13,  14, 
16,18,  27,28,58,96,  126,  127,152,158, 
219,  243,  261,  262,  263,  284,  288. 
records.     (See  Records.) 
present  to,  of  Arms,  1,  2. 
supply  of  wood  for  the,  159,  172,  175, 

,2t)7,'  274,  27S,  281,  282. 
grain  purchased  for  use  of,  15,  17,  42, 

45,  61,  214,  216,  220,  249,  270,  292. 
military  division  of,  127. 
loans  to,  15,  76,  78. 
proportion  of  the  £60,000,  209,  217. 
labor  for,  45. 
Townships,  33,  44,  124,  125,  147,  149,  150, 158, 
160,  161,172,  175,  179,  186,  190,  194,  203, 
205,  207,  257,  267,  269,  282,302, 


Index  to  Places  and  Subjects. 


329 


Trade,  condition  of,  119-21, 146, 195, 198,207, 
223,  225.  232,  313. 

impost,  122,  198,  226,  232, 233. 

interests,  178. 

importations,  198,  225. 

eommi-rce,  198,  226. 
Trades  exercised  in  worli-honse,  237,  238. 
Training- lield,  191.     {See  aho  Common.) 
Travel,  late  and  unseasonable,  285,  293. 
Treamount  (Treraont)  street,  132,  20'<,  215. 
Treasurer,  county,  choice  of,  2,  19,  29,  37,  56, 
97,  9S,  129,  136,  152,  184,  186,  211,   246, 
285,  288. 
Trees  on  the  Common,  54,  53,  59,  75,  77,  78. 
Truckmen,  petition  of  the,  27,  29,  34. 

Union  street,  132. 
Uxbridge,  50. 

Voting,  law  concerning,  45. 
Wards  or  Precincts,  division  of  town  into, 
127,  131. 
new  division,  hounds  and  names,  131, 

132,  133. 
overseers  for,  136, 137. 
"Watch,  appropriation,  6, 17,  22, 30, 41,  52, 86, 
J39, 
at  the  Foi'tification,  131. 
more  effectual,  136,  138. 
private  (called  Merchants'),  at  the 

dock,  50,  52,  166. 
rounds  of  the,  139, 140. 
inspector  of,  140. 
delinquents,  140. 
allowance,  S3,  84, 140. 
candles  for,  140. 
coal  for,  140. 

report  of  committee  on,  142. 
men,  40,  126,  139. 

petition,  37, 130. 
houses,  139,  140. 

at  South  End,  139. 
town  house,  139. 
dock  head,  139. 
northward  of  Mill  creek,  139. 
standing  at    8.E.   corner  of 
Bonnet  street,  139. 
Water  street,  37,  41,  45,  49, 129,  132, 197. 
Ways,  194. 

surveyors  of,  5, 13, 19,  61,  97, 102, 127, 

157,  190,  212,  244,  267,  290,  294. 
petition  for,  22. 
to  be  kept  free  from  ice  and  snow,  277. 

cleaner,  285,  294. 
in  Rumny  marsh,  31, 107. 
in  Summer  street,  5, 
appropriation  for  paving,  6. 
Common  street,  paving,  1. 

highway  in,  4. 
widening,  83,  84,   88, 
89. 
Sudbury  street,  paving,  1,  5,  20. 
nenr,  paving,  18. 
Summer  street,  highwaj-  in,  1. 

paving,  9. 
Bonnet  street,  paving,  1,  9, 14. 
in  School  street,  7,  21,  24. 
in  Fish  street,  paving,  11,  14. 
Common,  the,  highway  in,  1,  4,  9. 

bounds,  9. 
Cold  lane,  paving.  5,  6,. 
near  Love  street,  23,  25,  27,  29,  63. 

paving,  151,108,  169, 
243,  250,  252-53. 
King  street,  paving,  11,  14,  22. 
alley  in  Benuet  street,  paving,  14. 
leading  into  I'rincc  street,  paving,  14. 
Salem  street,  paving,  18,  20,  30. 
in  Salem  street,  25,  63. 
Cross  street,  paving.  18,  20,  .30. 

at  southerly  end  of,  130. 
near  Ann  street,  ])aving,  IS. 
new  lane  from  Queen  tstrcet,  18,  21,24. 
Winter  street,  paving,  27,  30,  37. 


Ways,  Green  lane,  paving,  95,  126,  131,  154. 
163,'"170. 
enlarging,  29. 
Wood  lane,  paving,  154,  168, 169,  173. 
Dock  square,  encroachments,  40. 
Merchants'  Row,  paving,  42,  44. 
Water  street,  obstructions,  45,  49. 
Frog  lane,  widening,  83,  84,  8S,  89. 
at  tiie  slip  in  North  street,  83,  88,  89. 
round  Windmill  point,  104, 1G9,- 112. 
Orange  street,  37,  41. 

paving,  95, 126,131, 151, 
154,  169,  170,  173. 
School  street,  paving,  95. 
North  street,  paviu-g,  95. 
Lynn  street,  paving,  95. 
Prince  street,  paving,  95,  100. 
on  the  Neck,  107,  2S3,  29S. 
at  bottom  of  South. street,  112. 
Beer  lane,  paving,  126,  131,  154, 168, 

169. 
highway  in  Sea  street,  142,  143. 

to  be    kept   unincumbered, 
143. 
Orange  street  to  be  preserved  from 

tides,  170. 
incumbered  144. 

on  Long  wharf  to  be  kept  free,  145. 
near  town  slip  to  bo  kept  open,  168. 
between  South  End  and  the  Fortifica- 
tion, 277,  281,  289. 
Fort  hill  and  Battery  ground,  to  re- 
cover from  encroachments.  248,  254, 
255,  264,  287,  293,  297,  298,  302,  303. 
encumbrances   to  be    removed,  287, 

292,  293,  297. 
nuisance  at  lower  end  of  Milk  street, 

295,  303. 
through  Barton's  ropewalk,  266,  282. 
encroachments  on  Battery  ground  and 
flats,   by  Col.  Jacob  Wendell,  and 
othern,  2^7,  300. 
Mr.  Parkman,  287. 
Mr.  Ingcrsoll,  287,  298. 
on  town  flats,  .302,  303. 
Alexander  Hunt,  287. 
Weights,  measures,  etc.,  310. 

weighing  of  hay,  151,  155,  159, 162, 
163,175,  176,  177,  193,  202,  203, 
204,  210. 
fraud  in,  to  prevent,  55,  66,243,250, 

251,  255,  274. 
rules  as  to,  163,  204-5. 
of  grain,  251. 
of  wood,  282,  312. 
Weighing  with  steelyards,  law  concerning, 

209,  216,  310. 
Well  at  the  Town  dock,  6. 
Wentworth's  wharf,  20.  (^See  a ^so Wharves.) 
West  Indies,  120. 
West  Meeting  house  (Lynde  street),  209,  213. 

{See  aluo  Meeting  houses.) 
West  street,  133. 
Wharves,  18. 

near  North  Battery,  6,  26,  62, 148, 149, 
150,  155. 
lease  of,  9. 
abatement  of  rent, 
101. 
South  Battery,  298. 
out,  17,  25,  20,  53,  54,  58. 
watch  for,  140. 

Long,  22,  26,  32,  60,  62.  74,  75,  89, 
119,  132,  143,  145. 
incumbrances,  74. 
formerly  Henry  Webb's,  61. 
sale  of  iish,46,  70-71,81. 
across  the  town's  slip,  168,  202. 
near  Fort  Point  channel,  62. 
liberty  to  erect,  144. 
on  the  flats,  63. 
•wharfage,  144,  145. 
encumbrances  on,  144,  298. 
inspectors  of  wood  at,  255. 


330 


City  Document  No.  QG. 


Wtarves,  town's,  65,  80,  92. 
town's  slip,  85. 

slip  at  end  of  Wood  lane,  191,  202. 
Eliot's,  04. 
Hill's,  103,  108. 
Bull's,  113,  133,  209,  218,  221. 
Clark's,  60,  62. 
Gallop's,  195. 
Wentworth's,  20. 
Red  IJon,  132. 
Wheat.     (See  Creadstuffs.) 
Wheeler's  Pond,  filling  up,  209,  217,  219,  221. 
Windmill  Point,  103. 

town's  right  to,  61. 
highway  round,  104, 109, 112. 
encumbered,  94. 
encroached,  103. 
land  near,  108. 
Windmills,  on  Fort  Hill,  84,  295. 

removal  of,  302, 
Wing's  lane,  132. 

Winnisknet  Ferry,  48,  83,  84,  85,  88,  89,  165, 
167,  183,  206,  207,  208. 
lease  of,  167,  188,  189. 
farms  at,  206,  207. 
Winter  street,  27,  30,  37,  209,  216,  220,  222. 
di'ain  in,  166.  (common  sewer.) 


Wood  (building)  viewers  of,  3,  12, 19,  30,  39, 
50, 128, 157,  159, 190,212, 224,  266, 289. 
purchased  for  batteries,  302. 
cord,    16,   109,   113,   159,   175,  255-56, 
274,  278,  281,  2S2,  285,  294. 
sealers  of,  113,  255,  256. 
to  pre%'ent  fraud  in,  166, 170, 243, 
2.il,255,  262,  278,  312. 
Wood  lane,  132,  151,  154,  168,  169, 173, 191, 

193,  195,  202. 
Woodstock,  50. 
Workhouse,  188,  191,  231,  251,  276. 

rules  and  orders,  104,  230,  234- 

40,  251,  252. 
erection  ot,  111,  114,  116,  152, 
156,  159,  160,  161, 162, 165, 166, 
107,  172,  175,  176,  180-83,  230, 
240,  248. 
master  and  other  ofliccrs,  235, 

236. 
names  of  persons  and  amounts 
by  them  contributed  toward, 
180-83. 
further  appropriation  for,  248. 
accounts  of,  examined,  273. 
statistics,  273. 


lYDi^O 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


19031    01118766  3 


DOFS  WT  CIRCULATE 


(^  hM-'^"^'''^ 


r 


F73.  / 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  HEIGHTS 
CHESTNUT  HILL.  MASS. 

Books  may  be  kept  for  two  weeks  and  may  be 
renewed  for   the   same   period,    unless    reserved. 

Two  cents  a  day  is  charged  for  each  book  kept 
overtime. 

If  you  cannot  find  what  you  want,  ask  the 
Librarian  who  will  be  glad  to  help  you. 

The  borrower  is  responsible  for  books  drawn 
on  his  card  and  for  all  fines  accruing  on  the  same. 


